When actress Adriyan Rae joined the cast of NBC’s hit drama Chicago Fire as Paramedic Gianna Mackey at the start of Season 9, her arrival brought fresh energy and a compelling new personal dynamic to Firehouse 51. Stepping into Ambulance 61 following the departure of Emily Foster (played by Annie Ilonzeh), Gianna Mackey was quickly established as a sharp, resilient, and dedicated first responder with deep roots in Chicago.
Casting Announcement and Context: Filling the Seat on Ambulance 61
The announcement that Adriyan Rae joins Chicago Fire as Gianna Mackey came ahead of the show's Season 9 premiere in late 2020. The casting met a critical narrative need for the series. At the conclusion of Season 8, Paramedic Emily Foster chose to leave Firehouse 51 to re-apply to medical school, leaving Paramedic in Charge (PIC) Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) in need of a new partner on Ambulance 61.
Producers sought an actress who could bring both natural charisma and emotional weight to the fast-paced procedural environment of NBC's One Chicago franchise. Executive producer Derek Haas and the creative team developed Gianna Mackey not just as a skilled paramedic, but as a character with pre-existing personal ties to the firehouse core group.
Adriyan Rae secured the series-regular role following her lead performance as Elida in the Syfy series Vagrant Queen (2020) and prominent appearances in Hulu's Light as a Feather. Her real-life background also provided a distinct parallel to her character; before pursuing professional acting full-time, Rae earned degrees in Physician Assistant Studies and Medical Laboratory Science from Jackson State University. This foundational familiarity with medical environments gave her a natural comfort level when handling procedural dialogue and emergency equipment on set.
Who Was Paramedic Gianna Mackey? Character Background and Personality
Gianna Mackey arrived at Firehouse 51 as a young, ambitious paramedic who grew up in the same tough Chicago neighborhood as veteran firefighter Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso). This shared history formed the bedrock of her character's introduction and immediate integration into the firehouse family.
Key Character Attributes
- Neighborhood Roots: Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Gianna developed a tough exterior and quick wits to navigate challenging surroundings.
- Connection to Joe Cruz: Cruz viewed Gianna like a younger sister, having promised her family years earlier that he would always look out for her. This dynamic generated both warm familial moments and humorous protective friction throughout the firehouse.
- Professional Composure: Despite her youth, Mackey demonstrated exceptional nerve during high-stress calls, refusing to back down when confronted by dangerous situations on the job.
- Warmth and Adaptability: She formed a fast friendship with Sylvie Brett, adapting quickly to the unique culture of Firehouse 51 while maintaining her distinct voice.
Key Storylines and Dynamic Relationships in Season 9
During her tenure in Season 9, Gianna Mackey was involved in several high-stakes emergency calls and compelling interpersonal subplots that tested her resolve and integrated her into the ensemble drama.
- Firehouse 51 Core Dynamics
- Joe Cruz: Big-brother protective figure & mentor
- Sylvie Brett: Ambulance 61 partner & professional guide
- Gianna Mackey (Adriyan Rae)
- Blake Gallo: Flirtatious romantic interest
The Protective Big Brother Dynamic with Joe Cruz
One of the central narrative engines for Gianna Mackey’s character was her relationship with Joe Cruz. Having known her since childhood, Cruz took his role as her informal guardian extremely seriously. His overprotective nature became apparent early on, as he monitored her interactions with colleagues and worried endlessly about her safety on dangerous shifts.
While Gianna loved and respected Cruz, she routinely asserted her independence. She pushed back against his micromanagement, emphasizing that she was a fully grown adult and a trained professional who could take care of herself both on the streets of Chicago and inside the station.
Romantic Tension with Blake Gallo
Gianna’s presence sparked an immediate mutual attraction with firefighter candidate Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende). Their flirtatious banter quickly caught the attention of the rest of the firehouse—most notably Joe Cruz, who strictly disapproved of any romantic entanglement involving his fellow firefighters and the girl he swore to protect.
Despite Cruz's warning shots, Mackey and Gallo navigated a subtle, slow-burn romantic tension. Their relationship added a lighter, youth-driven energy to Season 9, balancing the heavy trauma and intense emergencies encountered on the job.
High-Stakes Emergency Calls on Ambulance 61
Gianna Mackey's initiation into Firehouse 51 was far from quiet. In her very first episodes, Ambulance 61 was targeted by violent criminals during a call, resulting in a harrowing chase that left their rig overturned off a bridge ramp.
During this crisis, Mackey showed immense bravery under pressure, keeping her composure while working alongside Sylvie Brett to survive the incident and protect their patient. Subsequent episodes highlighted her clinical skills in treating gunshot victims, handling chaotic accident scenes, and navigating unpredictable patient interactions across Chicago.
Evolution of Ambulance 61 Paramedics Across Chicago Fire
To understand Gianna Mackey’s place in Chicago Fire history, it is helpful to examine how the paramedic lineup on Ambulance 61 has evolved over key seasons of the show.
| Season(s) | Paramedic in Charge (PIC) | Secondary Paramedic / Partner | Actor / Actress | Narrative Reason for Exit / Role Transition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasons 1–2 | Leslie Shay | Gabriela Dawson | Lauren German / Monica Raymund | Shay killed in line of duty (Season 2 finale) |
| Seasons 3–6 | Sylvie Brett | Gabriela Dawson / Peter Mills / Allison Chili | Kara Killmer / Monica Raymund / others | Dawson departed for humanitarian work in Puerto Rico |
| Seasons 7–8 | Sylvie Brett | Emily Foster | Annie Ilonzeh | Foster left Firehouse 51 to re-enter medical school |
| Season 9 (E1–9) | Sylvie Brett | Gianna Mackey | Adriyan Rae | Transferred to Firehouse 33 for advancement |
| Season 9–12 | Sylvie Brett | Violet Mikami | Hanako Greensmith | Mikami promoted to PIC following Brett's departure |
Why Did Adriyan Rae Leave Chicago Fire?
Adriyan Rae’s departure from Chicago Fire came as a surprise to many viewers, occurring midway through Season 9 in Episode 9, titled "Double Red." Her exit was handled cleanly both on-screen and behind the scenes.
In-Universe Explanation: The Transfer to Firehouse 33
On screen, Gianna Mackey was offered an unexpected opportunity to transfer to Firehouse 33. The new position offered a clear path for professional advancement and a preferable schedule.
After discussing the decision with Sylvie Brett and receiving encouraging words from Joe Cruz—who acknowledged that she had proven her capability beyond a shadow of a doubt—Mackey accepted the transfer. The character left Firehouse 51 on great terms, leaving the door open for future appearances within the wider universe of Chicago first responders.
Behind-the-Scenes Context and Official Statements
Off screen, the decision for Adriyan Rae to leave the series was mutual and driven by personal reasons. Showrunner Derek Haas publicly addressed her exit shortly after Episode 9 aired, expressing immense gratitude for her contributions to the show and clarifying that there was no animosity involved.
Haas noted in interviews that Rae requested to leave the series due to private matters, and the production team fully supported her choice. He praised her talent and professionalism, emphasizing that she would always remain part of the Dick Wolf production family. Following her departure, recurring cast member Hanako Greensmith stepped into a larger role as Paramedic Violet Mikami, eventually becoming a series regular on Ambulance 61.
Adriyan Rae’s Career Before and After Chicago Fire
Though her time on Chicago Fire spanned nine episodes, Adriyan Rae’s performance further established her as a versatile lead actress in network television and streaming media.
- Pre-Chicago Fire
- Medical Laboratory Science Degree (Jackson State University)
- "Light as a Feather" (Hulu)
- "Vagrant Queen" as Elida (Syfy)
- Chicago Fire (Season 9)
- Role: Paramedic Gianna Mackey (Ambulance 61)
- Post-Chicago Fire Developments
- "The Game" Revival on Paramount+ as Brittany Pitts
- Guest roles in premium drama & comedy series
Career Milestones Prior to 2020
Before stepping into the boots of Gianna Mackey, Rae built a solid resume across multiple genres:
- Science Fiction and Drama: She gained widespread recognition starring as Elida, a deposed child queen turned scavenger, in Syfy’s comic book adaptation Vagrant Queen (2020).
- Teen Thrillers: She appeared in Hulu’s supernatural thriller series Light as a Feather as Peri Bendix.
- Guest Appearances: Rae earned credits on popular series such as Atlanta, Star, and Documentary Now!.
Subsequent Roles and Achievements
Following her departure from Chicago Fire, Rae quickly landed major roles in prominent television projects:
- The Game (Paramount+ Revival): Rae was cast in a lead role as Brittany Pitts, the daughter of Jason and Kelly Pitts, in the revival of the iconic comedy-drama series The Game. Her portrayal of Brittany earned critical acclaim for balancing comedic timing with emotional depth.
- Continued Industry Presence: She remains an active force across television and film, frequently sharing insights into her acting process and commitment to fitness, wellness, and advocacy work.
The Lasting Impact of Gianna Mackey on Firehouse 51
While her duration on Chicago Fire was brief compared to long-tenured characters, Gianna Mackey left a distinct mark on the narrative structure of Season 9:
- Strengthening Joe Cruz’s Character Depth: Her presence highlighted Joe Cruz’s maturity and his deep sense of responsibility to his old neighborhood, showing a protective, paternal side of his character prior to becoming a father later in the series.
- Bridge Between Eras on Ambulance 61: Mackey served as a vital bridge between the departure of Emily Foster and the eventual long-term arrival of Violet Mikami, maintaining high dramatic stakes and clinical precision on Ambulance 61 during a transitional period for the show.
- Representation of Local Pride: As a native South Side character, Mackey reinforced one of Chicago Fire's strongest thematic pillars: the deep, enduring pride that local Chicagoans take in serving their own city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Adriyan Rae play in Chicago Fire?
Adriyan Rae played Paramedic Gianna Mackey during Season 9 of NBC’s Chicago Fire. She was paired with Paramedic in Charge Sylvie Brett on Ambulance 61.
Why did Gianna Mackey leave Firehouse 51?
In the show’s storyline, Gianna Mackey accepted a job transfer to Firehouse 33, which offered better opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
Why did Adriyan Rae exit Chicago Fire in real life?
Adriyan Rae requested to leave the series due to personal reasons. The decision was amicable, and showrunner Derek Haas expressed full support for her choice, leaving the door open for future potential appearances.
How many episodes of Chicago Fire was Adriyan Rae in?
Adriyan Rae appeared in 9 episodes of Chicago Fire during the first half of Season 9, debuting in the season premiere ("Rattle the Cage") and making her final appearance in Episode 9 ("Double Red").
Who replaced Gianna Mackey on Ambulance 61?
After Gianna Mackey transferred out of Firehouse 51, Paramedic Violet Mikami (played by Hanako Greensmith) joined Ambulance 61, eventually becoming a full-time series regular.
Next Steps for Fans and Viewers
To experience Adriyan Rae's complete character arc as Paramedic Gianna Mackey, viewers can stream the first nine episodes of Chicago Fire Season 9 on Peacock or through digital purchase platforms. Her post-Chicago Fire work, including her starring performance in The Game, is available to stream on Paramount+.
