It was on this day last year that the world of television and theater dimmed a little. Fans of NBC’s Chicago Fire and members of the Chicago

theater community were shaken by the sudden, heartbreaking loss of actress Molly Glynn, who tragically died after being struck by a falling

tree during a storm. She was only 46 years old, yet her impact — both onstage and off — continues to burn brightly in the hearts of those who knew her.

 

 

Before her work in television, Molly was already a beloved figure in Chicago’s vibrant theater community. She performed on some of the city’s most esteemed stages, including the Steppenwolf Theatre, Writers Theatre, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Critics praised her

 

 

grace and intelligence; her colleagues remembered her laughter between rehearsals, her empathy toward younger actors, and the rare combination of sophistication and playfulness that she brought to every role.

Yet even as her colleagues mourned, they also celebrated her spirit. Benefit performances were held in her honor. Stories were shared — stories of her kindness backstage, her sharp wit, her ability to make even the most stressful rehearsal feel like a shared adventure. Her husband, Joe, wrote that Molly had been “the most loving partner and friend one could ever hope for.”

 

 

A year later, her absence is still felt, but so is her legacy. Every time Chicago Fire airs an episode, fans who remember her feel a pang of nostalgia and gratitude. Every time an actress steps on stage at Steppenwolf or Writers Theatre, there is a sense — quiet but real — that Molly’s energy remains, echoing through the wings.

 

 

Today, as we look back on that terrible day, let us take a moment — just one minute — to remember Molly Glynn. Remember her laughter. Remember her courage. Remember the way she made audiences believe in the truth of every line she spoke.

Because though storms may take away what we love most, the warmth of those we lose never fades. Molly Glynn’s light still flickers — on stage, on screen, and in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to see her shine.