For nine seasons, Jesse Spencer was the steadfast heart of Firehouse 51, captivating audiences worldwide as Captain Matthew Casey on NBC’s hit drama Chicago Fire. His portrayal of the principled, resilient leader earned him a dedicated fanbase and made Casey an iconic figure in the sprawling One Chicago universe. From navigating personal tragedies and intense professional challenges to his complex relationships within the tight-knit firehouse family, Casey embodied the spirit of selflessness and camaraderie central to the series. He was often the moral compass, the calm in the storm, and a character whose absence would undoubtedly leave a significant void in the show’s narrative fabric. Spencer’s tenure, spanning over 200 episodes, cemented Casey as one of television’s most beloved first responders, his presence central to the major storylines and emotional core of Chicago Fire.

However, even the most dedicated actors eventually find themselves at a crossroads, where personal milestones begin to shape their professional trajectories. For Spencer, this moment arrived intertwined with his burgeoning relationship with Dr. Kali Woodruff Carr, a brilliant neuroscientist whose influence would inspire a profound shift in his life and career. The couple’s journey began in Chicago in 2014, a city that held special significance for Spencer given his demanding role on Chicago Fire at the time. Woodruff Carr was then pursuing her Master of Science in communication from Northwestern University, a stark contrast to the high-octane world of television production. Their paths, though seemingly disparate, converged at a local music festival, sparking a connection that Spencer had long sought: a relationship outside the demanding, often insular, entertainment industry. Having previously dated fellow actors, Spencer had publicly expressed a desire for a partner who offered a different perspective, someone grounded in a world beyond scripts and red carpets. Dr. Woodruff Carr, with her rigorous academic pursuits and scientific career, proved to be that grounding force.

Their love story unfolded over several years, leading to a picturesque engagement in 2019 amidst the majestic Peruvian Andes during a hiking trip along the Inca trail. The backdrop of ancient history and breathtaking natural beauty underscored the profound commitment they were making to each other. Their wedding took place on June 27, 2020, in Woodruff Carr’s hometown of Neptune Beach, Florida. This date held a beautiful familial significance, coinciding with the anniversaries of both her parents and grandparents. Marrying during the tumultuous global pandemic presented unique challenges, limiting their ceremony to just a few close family and friends. Yet, for Spencer, the occasion was a beacon of hope and happiness in an uncertain time. He later reflected on this period with profound gratitude, stating, “What a silver lining to 2020. She’s pretty, smart and way ahead of her years. We’re very happy. She is my port in every storm, and we’re already excited to be moving on to the next phase of our lives.” This sentiment eloquently captured the depth of his feelings and the stability Woodruff Carr brought into his life.

Dr. Kali Woodruff Carr is indeed a remarkable individual, holding four degrees, including a Ph.D. Her academic journey began at the University of Florida, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and music performance. She then continued her advanced studies at Northwestern University, securing both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in communication sciences and disorders. Today, she works as a research scientist at the Boston Children’s Hospital, focusing on the intricate biology of listening and learning. Her research endeavors delve into fascinating areas, including how children utilize temporal rhythmic cues in speech, the mechanisms by which humans learn to incorporate acoustic variability in speech for better comprehension, and how infants identify and use sounds relevant to their cognitive development. Her work not only showcases her formidable intellect but also offers a refreshing counterpoint to Spencer’s public life, fulfilling his desire for a partner with a distinct professional path.

The couple’s adventurous spirit is evident in their shared love for travel, documented through numerous trips to exotic locales. From exhilarating safaris and hot air balloon rides in Kenya in 2015 to exploring the scenic beauty of Cinque Terre and the historic grandeur of Florence and San Gimignano in Italy in 2016, they embraced diverse cultures and landscapes. They also shared lighter moments, such as attending the 144th Kentucky Derby in 2018, where they celebrated the unique atmosphere and Woodruff Carr’s custom-designed hat. These experiences painted a picture of a couple deeply connected, valuing shared adventures and personal experiences.

A pivotal moment in Spencer’s life, inextricably linked to his growing family, came in October 2021 when he announced his decision to depart Chicago Fire as a series regular. His exit as Captain Casey in the show’s 200th episode marked the end of an era for the beloved character. The emotional departure saw Casey relocating to Oregon to care for the sons of his late friend and colleague, Andy Darden, a narrative choice that left the door open for future returns. Indeed, Spencer has since made several impactful guest appearances, reminding audiences of Casey’s enduring presence and the deep bonds he forged at Firehouse 51. The timing of his departure was significant: it came just months before Spencer obtained his U.S. citizenship in November 2021 and five months before he and Woodruff Carr welcomed their first and only child in April 2022.

Spencer openly articulated the reasons behind his difficult decision. After 18 years of continuous work on network television—first on the acclaimed medical drama House and then immediately transitioning to Chicago Fire—he felt it was time for a change. “This was a difficult decision because I have loved the show from the start 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 and 18 years is a long time,” he explained. This powerful statement underscored his desire to prioritize his personal life and explore new creative avenues, a testament to the profound impact his marriage and impending fatherhood had on his priorities. His wife, Dr. Woodruff Carr, has consistently been a pillar of support for his career endeavors. She has visited him on the Chicago Fire set, offering a glimpse into her support for his demanding profession. Her admiration for Spencer’s work was further highlighted when she proudly celebrated a song he wrote to commemorate his decade on Chicago Fire, affectionately acknowledging their “forever family” within the show’s cast and crew.

Jesse Spencer’s journey from the intense, demanding schedule of a lead actor on a prime-time drama to embracing a more family-centric life illustrates a common yet deeply personal evolution. His marriage to Dr. Kali Woodruff Carr and the subsequent birth of their child profoundly influenced his decision to step back from Chicago Fire, demonstrating a commitment to building a rich personal life alongside his enduring professional legacy. While his role as Captain Matthew Casey will forever be etched in the annals of television, Spencer’s story now extends beyond the firehouse, charting a course shaped by love, family, and the quiet brilliance of a scientist who became his “port in every storm.” His occasional returns to Chicago Fire are not just fan service but a touching acknowledgement of his deep connection to the character and the show, even as he embarks on new adventures in his life beyond the screen.