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An original ‘Chicago Fire’ star leaves the show but says he’s in the city to stayDarel Jevenson October 21, 2021 at 3:08 am

“Chicago Fire” actor Eamonn Walker (from left), executive producer Derek Haas and co-stars Jesse Spencer and Taylor Kinney celebrate the show’s 200th episode. | NBC

The actor saying goodbye is one of six cast members who date back to Episode 1.

As the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 said goodbye to a longtime colleague, the actor who played him said he’s still going to call Chicago home.

(SPOILERS FOLLOW)

Jesse Spencer, known to “Chicago Fire” viewers as Capt. Matthew Casey, exited the series on its 200th episode Tuesday. He’s one of six cast members — along with Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, Eamonn Walker, Christian Stolte and Joe Minoso — who have been part of the show for all of its 10 seasons.

“It was a difficult decision because I’ve loved the show from the start,” the Australian-born actor said in a press conference reported by TV Line, “but there are other things that I would like to do in the future, and there’s some family that I need to take care of.”

The story had Casey moving to Oregon to be caretaker for the two sons of his late best friend Andy Darden — and able to return to Chicago anytime.

It’s not an unappealing prospect for Spencer. “There is the potential for me to come back,” he said. “I still am in Chicago right now. I’m not running off to Los Angeles or anything, although I might escape for a little bit of the winter. My home here with my wife is in Chicago, and so I’m still going to be here.”