Charlie Barnett was an American actor who made a name for himself early in his career, thanks to a standout role in the hit firefighting drama “Chicago Fire,” which premiered on NBC in 2012 and quickly gained a loyal following. Born on February 4, 1988, Charlie Barnett spent the first years of his life living on a sailboat in Florida—a unique start that perhaps hinted at the adventurous path his life would take. From a very young age, Charlie Barnett showed a deep passion for theater, immersing himself in performances and even attending the prestigious Carnegie Mellon Musical Theater Summer Program. His talent didn’t go unnoticed; he earned several acting awards back home in Florida, setting the stage for what was to come.
As a teenager, Charlie Barnett landed his first film role in the lighthearted family movie “Circus Camp” (2006), a fun stepping stone that gave him early exposure to the industry. Determined to hone his craft, he went on to attend Juilliard, one of the most respected performing arts schools in the world, where he graduated from the drama program in 2010. Not long after, Charlie Barnett began making appearances on popular television series—first with a guest spot on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” in 2010, followed by another on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” in 2011. These roles helped solidify his presence in the entertainment world.
In 2012, Charlie Barnett delivered a powerful performance in the LGBTQ-themed film “Private Romeo,” a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. His portrayal earned critical praise and won him the award for Outstanding Actor at L.A. Outfest, further showcasing his range and depth as a performer. That same year, he had a small but memorable role in the blockbuster “Men in Black 3,” sharing screen time with heavyweights like Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith—an impressive feat early in his career.
But it was also in 2012 that Charlie Barnett truly broke through, landing the role of Peter Mills, a rookie firefighter, on “Chicago Fire.” The character became a fan favorite, and Charlie Barnett’s performance brought both intensity and heart to the show. His role extended beyond the original series, as Peter Mills made appearances in the spinoff “Chicago P.D.,” which debuted in 2014. Through these appearances, Charlie Barnett remained a recognizable and respected figure in the Chicago franchise universe, leaving a lasting mark on network television.
Charlie Barnett has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, with some receiving more acclaim than others. Among his filmography, We Are Gathered Here Today (2022) stands out as Charlie Barnett’s highest-rated movie, earning praise from both critics and audiences alike. On the other hand, Private Romeo (2011) is regarded as the lowest-rated film in Charlie Barnett’s career so far. While opinions may vary, these two films represent the range of Charlie Barnett’s performances on the big screen.