Before becoming known as Steve Harrington on Stranger Things, Joe Keery made an early appearance on NBC’s Chicago Fire. He guest-starred in Episodes 16 and 17 of Season 3, which originally aired in March 2015 and are currently available for streaming.
In his brief but memorable role, Keery portrayed a character who brought energy and charm to Firehouse 51, foreshadowing his later breakout performance in Stranger Things. His appearance added a fresh dynamic to the show, offering a look at his developing screen presence before his megahit Netflix role.
NBC recently shared a throwback clip of Keery’s scenes on Chicago Fire, sparking excitement among fans. Many praised how his charisma was evident even then, expressing nostalgia and calling for his return to the show. One fan reaction highlighted this sentiment:
“He really turned Firehouse 51 upside down before taking on the Upside Down!”
Following Chicago Fire, Keery went on to star in Stranger Things starting in 2016, turning his character from a secondary figure into one of the series’ most loved characters. His early television work, including the Chicago Fire appearance, reveals the talent that helped him rise quickly in Hollywood.
Author’s Summary: Joe Keery’s small role on Chicago Fire showcased his early acting talent and hinted at the charisma that later made him a star on Stranger Things.