Chicago Fire Fan-Favorite Remembers His Character Getting Killed Off On The Show, And I’m Not Crying, You Are (2025)

As it continues to air amid the 2025 TV schedule, Chicago Fire is still bringing the action and hitting fans in their feels. Throughout the show's 13 seasons, there have been a revolving door of cast members. Some have lasted quite a long time, while others only a season or two. Although most characters that have left Firehouse 51 willingly left, there have been a few that were unfortunately killed off, leaving fans heartbroken. With that, Yuri Sardarov is opening up about Otis’ death, and let's just pretend I don’t have tears in my eyes.

Sardarov was an original cast member on the NBC drama, playing firefighter Brian “Otis” Zvonecek during the first seven seasons. Following an intense Season 7 finale that saw 51 rushing to the scene of fire at a mattress factory, Otis suffered severe injuries. He sacrificed himself to protect civilians from a boiler explosion, and he died at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center with Cruz by his side in the Season 8 premiere. Although the character's bittersweet exit may have seemed sudden, it was actually something that Sardarov knew in his heart it was right, telling TV Insider:

I can't imagine being an actor and receiving the news that your character is being written out of a show. However, I'm glad that Sardarov left of his own accord. Still, the end result was one of the most heartbreaking moments on Chicago Fire. Not only did Cruz have to say goodbye to Otis, but Joe Miñoso also had to bid farewell Sardarov and vice versa in real life. When it came to his character's final moments, Sardarov apparently had quite a time:

While there was a finality to Otis’ death, it was still quite devastating and gruesome. It's hard not to wonder whether Otis could've been naturally written out in another way. However, during a previous interview, Sardarov said that the death was necessary since he wanted to move on, and it was something that fans wouldn't expect. Apparently, he and series co-creator Derek Haas talked about it for a long time. Now, I’m crying all over again just thinking about it.

Even though Yuri Sardarov felt it was time for him to leave Chicago Fire, it doesn’t sound like it was easy. Even today, over five years after his exit, he still keeps the series close to him, occasionally sharing photos from set on his Instagram. It also wasn’t easy for him to completely move on, as he admitted that it’s taken a while for him to figure out what’s next. Still, he says that the end result was ultimately worth it:

Chicago Fire has seen some brutal deaths throughout its run, including Shay's in Season 3 and Hawkins' demise in Season 11. Otis’ tragic death in Season 8 is certainly hard to forget. As long as Fire continues, I'll remain worried about the fates of the main characters. I just hope that whatever happens, any actor who exits will be satisfied with the conclusion of their character's arc like Yuri Sardarov is. Anyone wanting to relive the show's toughest installments can stream them with a Peacock subscription.

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