During a roundtable interview at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival, Greensmith and Hudon opened up about their experiences on the show, from filming explosive crossover episodes to the real-life inspiration behind their performances.
The Big Crossover Event: Explosions, Guest Stars, and New Dynamics
One of the most exciting aspects of Chicago Fire is its crossover episodes with sister shows Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. When asked about filming the latest crossover event, both actresses shared their enthusiasm. Hanako Greensmith shared: "It was crazy and it was awesome to work with the other characters from the other shows 'cause we never get to cross over with them. It was awesome seeing the explosions, the special effects were insane. And everyone's so talented, so it was really inspiring and great to work with everyone." Jocelyn Hudon added: "It's always such a treat too, to go over to the other shows because it feels like you're visiting someone else's house. It is kind of exciting seeing how the rest of the world functions and makes their own products, too. It was a lot of fun."
Violet and Lizzy: A Dynamic Duo On and Off Screen
The bond between Violet and Lizzy has resonated with fans, blending professionalism with deep emotional support. The real-life friendship translates seamlessly on screen. Greensmith noted: "I adore working with Jocelyn. She's such a treat. She's so fun but also takes her work very seriously. I think we're able to collaborate a lot on the important scenes and it makes for a really great, I think, authentic seeming relationship." Hudon elaborated: "We're friends outside of work and at work. So that's it, I feel like what you're seeing on screen is just reality. And then I think our characters balance each other really well. I think my character is a true support for the load that she has to bear." Greensmith also expressed hope for deeper exploration of Novak’s backstory in future seasons, strengthening their on-screen dynamic.
Drawing from the "Emotional Bank" for Authentic Performances
When asked about their acting techniques, Greensmith explained how she taps into personal experiences to bring authenticity to intense scenes: "You go to acting school and you learn all these methods and techniques, and I realize, at least in a fast-moving show like the one that we're doing—where you have a week to make an episode—I find that the easiest thing for me to relate to something in a quick moment is just, even if I haven't gone through something directly, if I'm able to just go from my own experiences, my own life, and then say, okay, can I relate? And this particular situation in this way? Through living life, you collect all of this amazing material in your own bank and you're able to just draw on that whenever you need it. It's one of my favorite tools." She cited grief as an example, explaining how personal losses—whether of a family member, pet, or loved one—help her connect to her character’s emotions. Hudon echoed this sentiment, recalling how her real-life desire to stay on the show mirrored her character’s plea in Season 12.
The Realities of First Responders: Ride-Alongs and Respect
To prepare for the role, Hanako participated in ride-alongs with real Chicago firefighters and paramedics. "It was incredible. Some days you get a lot of interesting calls, and then some days you get nothing. Just people being like, 'My foot hurts.'... Just seeing what the people of Chicago need, I think that adds an element to what their firehouse is like. There's just so much grit and so much hardness in that city. People are going through so much. The social classes are very vast, and it's a really interesting thing to witness firsthand." Hudon admitted that while she admires first responders, she isn’t sure she could handle the emotional toll of the job: "When I got home, I bought two emergency kits because I was like, I feel like I could jump out and save someone. So I got one for my car and one for my house. I think just training-wise, I feel like I would be able to jump in and help until the paramedics, the real paramedics got there. But I think the true emergencies and the truly terrible things that the paramedics see on a daily basis, I don't know if I'd be actually able to handle that. It's like everyone on their worst day. It's a lot." "I tried to [do a ride-along] when I was home in Canada, and they weren't allowing them because of COVID restrictions," Hudon confessed.
New Leadership in Firehouse 51: Adjusting to Change
Season 12 brought a major shift with the departure of Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) and the arrival of new Chief Jack Damon (Dermot Mulroney). Hudon discussed how this change impacted her character: "For me, I feel like my character got a buddy because we're both new, so we've definitely formed a bond over the last season, together. And being new to the firehouse and just fitting in—they've had Eamonn for 13, 12 years. So for [Dermot] to come in and be the new chief, that's a big load to bear, so I feel like my character just supports him - 'I'm new, too, and I got you.' And it was great for Dermot to come for my character. I really appreciate him being there."
Would They Ever Cross Over to Another Dick Wolf Show?
When asked if they’d consider guest-starring in another series—such as FBI or even White Lotus—both actresses entertained the idea. When one of the journalists said that many actors say White Lotus, Greensmith smiled: "That's so funny. That would be great. White Lotus would be interesting." Hudon admitted: "I auditioned for White Lotus, for the Aimee Lou Wood role. Definitely a better pick with her." Hudon also expressed interest in Sons of Anarchy, while Greensmith mentioned Mr. & Mrs. Smith as a fun possibility.
Mass Events & Public Unrest as Possible Storylines
When asked about incorporating current events like the LA protests, Hudon and Greensmith revealed intriguing perspectives: "I don't know, I haven't heard any (such) storylines," Hudon admitted cautiously, before Greensmith jumped in: "I would love that, though." The actors then delved into the show's delicate balance between realism and escapism. "It's a tricky balance," Greensmith explained. "Sometimes they want to reflect what society looks like... Other times our show is such a source of comfort that to just kind of make this make-believe world where we don't have to acknowledge what's so hard outside... is sometimes the route we take." The actress also shared that "I know someone who works for Ice. She's like: I hate my job, but this is my job." Hudon also connected this to the show's responsibility in portraying first responders: "It's very nice that people who are actually firefighters watch the show and they're like, 'Oh, yeah, respect.' They see it as an accurate representation."
Looking Ahead to Season 14
With production set to resume in late July, both actresses remain tight-lipped about upcoming storylines but teased adjustments following major character exits. Greensmith shared: "We don't know anything. But we definitely had some really heartbreaking exits at the end of the season. So we're going to be probably adjusting mainly to that and finding out new characters, new faces, new storylines." Hudon agreed: "New faces will be very exciting."
