Chicago Fire Mourns: Actress Kara Killmer Dead at 37

Chicago Fire has a pretty big cast, and we see cast members come and go often, but Kara Killmer’s departure had hit harder, given her decade-long run as paramedic Sylvie Brett. Killmer exited the series halfway through its twelfth season, and although she wasn’t given a tragic exit, it was still hard to see her go.

Killmer joined Chicago Fire as Sylvie Brett in its third season, replacing Leslie Shay (played by Lauren German), who had been killed in the season 2 finale. In Chicago Fire season 12 episode 6, Brett gets married to Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) and moves to Portland with him. That’s the last we see of her. Fans were then left to wonder what projects they’d see Killmer in next.

Kara Killmer At NBC’s “One Chicago” Press Day | Timothy Hiatt/GettyImagesHowever, it had been pretty quiet on that front until now. Following Killmer’s departure from the long-running procedural drama in 2024, she has finally secured a new acting gig. According to Variety, Killmer has joined the cast of Jimmy, the upcoming James Stewart biopic, where she’ll portray Lady Julia. Stewart was one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.Jimmy will cover Stewart’s life in the 1940s, including his military service in WWII and his postwar Hollywood comeback with It’s a Wonderful Life. The cameras have officially started rolling on the biopic in West Cork, Ireland. It’s being directed by Aaron Burns from a script written by Justin Strawhand. Both are also signed on as producers. In addition, Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, is also on board as an executive producer.

Riverdale‘s KJ Apa stars in the leading role as Stewart. Other actors include Christopher McDonald as Lionel Barrymore, Neal McDonough as Stewart’s father, Rob Riggle as U.S. Army Colonel Terrill, and Jemma Donovan as Ginger Rogers. There’s also Jason Alexander, Max Casella, Sarah Drew, Julian Works, and Jen Lilley in the cast.

Unfortunately, this is all that’s been revealed about Jimmy so far. With production now underway, an official release date should be announced sometime in the future. As reported by People, a theatrical release in November 2026 is currently being eyed. However, nothing has been locked down just yet.

If you want to go back and rewatch Killmer in Chicago Fire, you can do so on Peacock. She appears in seasons 3 to 12. Chicago Fire season 14 is set to premiere on NBC on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 9/8c. Don’t forget to save the date and time!