“I’d Be Stoked to Come Back” — The Doc Star Opens Up About His Time in the Windy City

Before Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) found forever love with Matt Casey on Chicago Fire, she shared a meaningful spark with firefighter Greg Grainger, played by current Doc star Jon Ecker. While the romance didn’t last on screen, Ecker’s time on the NBC hit left a lasting impression — on both him and the fans.

From Firehouse Flirtation to Fan Favorite

Greg Grainger entered the firehouse in Chicago Fire Season 9, bringing charm and chemistry to his budding relationship with Brett. But as Brett’s unresolved feelings for Casey lingered, Grainger stepped aside, realizing he couldn’t compete. Still, Ecker’s performance was memorable enough to earn him more than the originally planned three episodes — he appeared in six.

“It was a great show to be a part of,” Ecker told Soaps.com. “The cast is like a family. They’ve been doing it forever.”

Ecker Almost Returned — But Timing Wasn’t Right

In a surprising revelation, Ecker shared that the Chicago Fire team had reached out about a possible return — but he was already committed to another project. “They called me once to kind of go back for another [episode], and I was working on another show, and I couldn’t do it. And I really wish I had,” he admitted.

Still, he’s hopeful: “I’d be stoked” to return if the opportunity ever came back around.

A Memorable Role During Challenging Times

Ecker also recalled how Chicago Fire was one of the first productions to resume filming during the height of COVID protocols. “You had to go, like, almost every day and get the nose swab, even if I wasn’t working,” he said. But despite the strict rules, he had a blast stepping into a firefighter’s boots. “It’s like a kid going to see the big trucks and stuff. It’s a lot of fun.”

What’s Next for Ecker

Currently starring in Doc, Ecker has quickly built a reputation as a versatile actor with a strong screen presence. And while fans of Chicago Fire might still mourn the end of Brett and Grainger, Ecker understands the purpose his character served.

“I was a tool in the writers’ tool bag,” he reflected. “But I felt lucky to even have that run.”