The One Hidden Talent Jesse Spencer Wanted To Show Off On Chicago Fire
When it comes to actors, everyone has their favorites. Some love hard-hitters like the late James Gandolfini on "The Sopranos." Others like goofy, relatable sitcom stars, like the cast of "Friends." One truth is found, however, no matter who your favorite actor happens to be, and that truth is that we love them. We love the nuances of their lives, and when the show ends or their character is written off a show, we mourn and rage and demand their eventual, if unlikely, return.
Take the long running medical drama, "House, M.D." for instance. When it began in 2004, actor Jesse Spencer was in his early 20s and wasn't sure about playing a 35-year-old physician. After being given a script copy, however, he decided to pay his own way to Los Angeles to audition in-person, according to a Q&A session he did at the Paley Center for Media. And as the star pointed out to the Sioux City Journal, "When we started 'House,' we took it month by month." Eventually the show became successful and Spencer went on to enjoy an eight-year run as Dr. Robert Chase.
But "House" isn't the only long-running TV series Spencer has been involved with. He was a fan-favorite on another series as well.
Chicago Fire called and Jesse Spencer answered
It wasn't Jesse Spencer's original plan to go from a long stint on the Fox medical drama "House" to another long stint as a firefighter in the windy city, but when "Chicago Fire" came calling, Spencer couldn't say no. But as "House," was coming to a close in 2012, "Chicago Fire" was set to premiere, and according to the Sioux City Journal, the actor had this to say about the experience: "I was filming the pilot of 'Chicago Fire' on the weekend while we were still doing 'House.' When I look back on it, it was probably the right thing."
After another impressive run of 10 seasons on "Chicago Fire," Spencer decided it was time to move on and used a talent outside his acting ability to bid farewell to the long-running drama. Spencer, who grew up in Melbourne, Australia, was first nurtured in his singing ability, which eventually led him to pursue musical talents. He is proficient in the guitar and piano, but it's the violin he's been playing since he was 10.
To say goodbye to his character and the show, Spencer wrote an original song he titled, "Firebug (si ca te fait plaisir)", which translates to "if it pleases you," per Us Weekly. In the song, he showcases his violin skills as he sings, "Well that flame forever burns in my heart ... just would not have been the same without you all right here."
Leaving Chicago Fire was a 'difficult decision' for Jesse Spencer
When Jesse Spencer decided to step away from "Chicago Fire" after 10 seasons, it certainly wasn't an easy decision. Per Variety, the actor opened up about the tough time he had deciding to exit the show. "It was a difficult decision because I've 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 shared. "I hate to leave the show because I do love this show, but when the time comes, the time comes."
Variety also reported that Spencer was pleased to get his character to his 200th episode and send him off so fittingly. "It became this, pseudo-tribal send-off. It was awesome because everyone was sitting outside of the burn stage and it is raised up, and it gave off this big, hollow sound," he said. "And then they wheeled out a cake and we gave out speeches ... It was a fitting way to finish it. We started with fire and we ended with it."
Life seems to have come full-circle for the Australian-born Spencer, giving him talents to use and fans who enjoy watching him do so. And while we might have to wait a while to see what he's up to next, whether it's music or acting, Spencer will, no doubt, give himself fully to whatever endeavor comes his way.