Yuriy Sardarov, known for playing Otis on Chicago Fire, has taken on new creative pursuits since his character's dramatic exit in 2020. The actor has appeared in several films and TV guest roles while focusing on writing, directing, and teaching acting. In a recent interview, he shared how these endeavors have reignited his passion for the craft.
Yuriy Sardarov portrayed Brian "Otis" Zvonecek, a beloved firefighter, in 161 episodes of NBC's Chicago Fire from 2012 to 2020. His character met a tragic end in Season 8, Episode 1, titled "Sacred Ground," during a devastating fire at a mattress factory that cliffhanged the Season 7 finale. This dramatic departure marked the end of Sardarov's long run on the One Chicago franchise, which is set in the Windy City and often features turbulent storylines for its actors.
Since leaving the series, Sardarov has continued acting while branching into other areas of the entertainment industry. He starred in the 2020 biopic Adam, directed by Michael Uppendahl, playing Nick Kahn alongside Aaron Paul, Lena Olin, Tom Berenger, and Paul Walter Hauser. In 2021, he appeared in the comedy Amy and Peter Are Getting Divorced, directed by April Moreau. His most recent film role was in the 2023 dystopian comedy Daddy, directed by Neal Kelley and Jono Sherman.
On television, Sardarov has taken on contrasting guest roles. In 2022, he appeared in two episodes of ABC's The Rookie as Ilya Sokurov, a ruthless CIA operative turned terrorist—far removed from the affable Otis. He followed this with a guest spot as Sergei Diatchenko in the 2023 "FBI: International" Season 2 episode "Blood Feud."
Beyond acting, Sardarov has a history of producing: between 2010 and 2013, he produced short films Lift Gate and Agoraphobia at 2530 Brian Dr., and served as executive producer on the sci-fi horror pilot Apex, starring in all three. In an April 2025 interview with TV Insider, he revealed his current focus: "I'm currently writing. I'm hoping to direct a feature, hopefully in the next year, maybe two. I'm also teaching. I started teaching acting. It's something that has been so invigorating to teach people some of the stuff I was so fortunate to learn. That has really helped me fall in love with the craft again after COVID, the fires, the strikes, so much has happened in Los Angeles to keep us from doing what we love. To be able to feel that again, has been really inspiring."
These pursuits come amid industry challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and strikes, which disrupted work in Los Angeles. Sardarov's shift highlights how actors from long-running procedurals like Chicago Fire often diversify to sustain their careers.