Taylor Kinney remembers Chicago Fire co-star Treat Williams

Taylor Kinney has been MIA for most of 2023. The actor has not spoken publicly since leaving Chicago Fire, but he’s decided to make an exception following the death of his former co-star, Treat Williams.

Williams died on Monday after being involved in a motorcycle accident. He was 71. He was best known for his roles in classic films like Prince of the City (1981), but to One Chicago fans, he will always be Benny Severide, the decorated and oftentimes troubled father of Kinney’s character.

Who played Benny Severide on Chicago Fire?

Kinney praised Williams for bringing humor and an infectious energy to their scenes together. He also considered Williams to be a father figure to the entire cast.

"“My thoughts and prayers are with Treat’s family,” the actor told People. “He played my father on Chicago Fire, and was a father figure to everyone on set. I’ll always relish our conversations and his uncanny ability to light up a room. We all send love, he will be missed.”"

Williams appeared in 16 Chicago Fire episodes between 2013 and 2018. His character, Benny Severide, was a former Captain in the Office of Fire Investigations who was friends with Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker). The two men worked together for several years, but Benny’s propensity for getting into trouble oftentimes led to tension between him and the upright Boden.

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Benny’s sordid activities also led to tension with his son, Kelly. The two men frequently butted heads over the course of the show, despite their common interests and shared talents. It’s very fitting that Kelly is attending an arson investigation program out of state, given that his dad made a career out of doing exactly that.

The character may no longer be on the show, but he remains an enormous presence in Kelly’s life. In the season 9 episode “Funny What Things Remind Us”, Kelly and Boden discuss Benny, and the former admits that while Benny has been gone for two years, he still thinks about him all the time.

Rest in peace to Williams and the character he brought to life.

What did you think about the Chicago Fire season 11 finale? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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