The journey of an actor to a career-defining role is often filled with unexpected twists and turns, and for David Eigenberg, the path to becoming Christopher Herrmann on NBC’s hit drama Chicago Fire was particularly wild. In a revealing interview on the One Chicago Podcast, Eigenberg candidly discussed how he felt his acting career was nearing its end before landing the role that would make him a beloved figure in the One Chicago universe for over a decade.

Prior to his transformative role as Firehouse 51’s gruff yet deeply empathetic lieutenant, Eigenberg faced significant professional challenges. Following his successful run on Sex and the City, he found himself “dead in the water,” as he described it, with few acting prospects. He pivoted to general contracting, even taking on an unusual job at a copper smelter plant in Salt Lake City—a stark contrast to the glitz of Hollywood. This period of uncertainty highlights the often-unseen struggles actors endure between high-profile projects. It was during this time, feeling his career was “over” and “washed up,” that a chance encounter with an old colleague provided a lifeline, ultimately leading to an audition for a new Dick Wolf series.

Eigenberg vividly recalled his first meeting with the legendary series creator, Dick Wolf. Unlike typical auditions focused solely on performance, Wolf was keenly interested in Eigenberg’s life experiences outside of acting, curious about the origins of his unique sense of humor. This unconventional approach resonated deeply with Eigenberg, who left the meeting with a strong intuition that he had made a significant impression. As he later confided in his wife, “If they don’t respond to you, you can’t win them.” His instincts proved correct when his agent called with the life-changing news. Overjoyed, Eigenberg instructed his agent to accept any offer, regardless of the terms, emphasizing his readiness to embrace the role he instinctively knew was meant for him, even teasing that he “would have done it for half of what they were going to give me.”

What makes Eigenberg’s casting even more compelling is that his portrayal of Christopher Herrmann diverged significantly from the initial vision of the character. As Chicago P.D. producer Brian Luce recounted, showrunner Derek Haas had originally envisioned Herrmann as a “larger than life” figure, akin to Little John from Robin Hood. However, Eigenberg’s audition was so impactful that, within seconds, the casting team knew they had found their Herrmann. More profoundly, they realized they had found “the heart of their show” in Eigenberg. This speaks volumes about the raw, authentic quality Eigenberg brought to the character, a quality that transcended initial conceptualizations and ultimately defined a central pillar of Firehouse 51.

Christopher Herrmann quickly became an indispensable part of Chicago Fire. His character embodies the everyday struggles and triumphs of a working-class hero, balancing the perilous demands of firefighting with the complexities of family life and entrepreneurial ventures. As a devoted husband to Cindy and father to five children, Herrmann’s storylines often explore the relatable challenges of providing for a large family, dealing with teenage angst, and maintaining a strong marital bond under stressful circumstances. His beloved bar, Molly’s, co-owned with Randall “Mouch” McHolland and later Joe Cruz, serves not only as a popular after-hours spot for the firefighters but also as a microcosm of their lives, witnessing countless celebrations, heart-to-hearts, and even a few inevitable brawls. Molly’s represents Herrmann’s ambition, his drive to build something beyond his demanding career, and his integral role as a community anchor.

Herrmann’s journey on Chicago Fire has been one of consistent growth and resilience. Starting as a seasoned but sometimes jaded firefighter, he gradually embraced leadership roles, eventually achieving the rank of lieutenant. This promotion was a testament to his dedication, his unwavering commitment to his fellow firefighters, and his increasingly profound understanding of leadership. He might not always be the most eloquent or tactically brilliant officer, but his strength lies in his deep empathy, his unwavering loyalty, and his ability to connect with people on a fundamental level. He’s often the first to offer a word of encouragement, a stern but loving reprimand, or a well-timed joke to lighten the mood in the station.

His mentorship of younger firefighters, such as Stella Kidd, Blake Gallo, and Violet Mikami, has been a recurring and vital element of the series. Herrmann imparts not just technical firefighting knowledge but also crucial life lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and the emotional toll of the job. He’s been a steady presence through countless crises, both personal and professional, within the firehouse. From battling devastating fires and responding to harrowing accidents to navigating internal politics and personal tragedies among his colleagues, Herrmann’s grounded perspective often serves as a moral compass for the team. His interactions with Chief Boden, a paternal figure to all in Firehouse 51, showcase a deep mutual respect and understanding that has only strengthened over the years.

The longevity of Chicago Fire, now in its twelfth season, owes much to characters like Christopher Herrmann. He provides a crucial sense of continuity and emotional depth, grounding the high-stakes action with relatable human drama. Audiences connect with Herrmann because he is inherently flawed, yet tirelessly strives to do what’s right, both for his family and his extended family at Firehouse 51. He represents the everyman hero, the kind of individual who might live next door, making his bravery and dedication all the more resonant.

Eigenberg’s ability to infuse Herrmann with such authenticity is a testament to his own life experiences and his deep understanding of human nature. The struggles he faced before Chicago Fire undoubtedly contributed to the grit and relatability he brings to the character. His journey from a “dead in the water” actor to a cornerstone of one of television’s most successful franchises is a powerful narrative of perseverance. Christopher Herrmann continues to be the beating heart of Firehouse 51, a character whose humor, integrity, and profound humanity have endeared him to millions, ensuring his legacy as an iconic figure in the sprawling One Chicago saga. His story, both on and off-screen, exemplifies the unexpected turns that can lead to extraordinary success, and the profound impact one individual can have in shaping the essence of a long-running series.