Exclusive with Phil Donlon, the New Bad Guy on ‘Chicago Fire’
Phil Donlon flexed a lot of muscle in his role as Lieutenant Stephen Vale during the 13th season of NBC’s Chicago Fire. He took a punch in the gut, cried at work and allegedly committed murder. Weaving a sinister thread into a firefighter’s uniform, the actor turned his character into the most consequential villain on the show.
“I’m really proud,” says Donlon. “It’s a really beautiful arc.”
WHO IS STEPHEN VALE
The character Stephen Vale came to Chicago Fire with a cool mustache, a menacing presence, and a thing for Chief Dom Pascal’s wife. Despite all that, according to Donlon, Vale is a basic, loyal dude who would fit into a place like Bridgeport, the Chicago neighborhood where Donlon grew up. Unfortunately, Vale’s broham sensibilities may or may not have fueled a revenge killing. Either way, he got arrested for the crime at the climax of season 13. The story continues in season 14, which begins shooting next week.
MEET THE ACTOR
Prior to becoming Chicago Fire’s mustachioed troublemaker, Donlon earned numerous credits for directing, producing and theater as well as acting. Previous achievements include, Hotshot, the award-winning documentary about “the unsung heroes who combat wildfires without water.” Upcoming projects include work for Amazon Studios and Rolling Stone Films. But for now, the actor says it’s all about Chicago Fire.
During a Screen Magazine exclusive shortly after season 13 wrapped, Donlon praised the show’s positive vibe and jokingly called on viewers to “bombard the producers” with “old school fan letters.” Check out the full conversation below.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH PHIL DONLON
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