NBC Insider Exclusive

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!

Sign Up For Free to View
NBC Insider One Chicago

Jesse Spencer Nails an American Accent So Well, You Won't Believe Where He's From

Excuse me? The Chicago Fire actor is from where?!

By Christopher Rosa

Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) is a Chicago Fire O.G. Fans first met him in the show's pilot, and he was a regular cast member until Season 10, when he moved to Portland to raise the late Andy Darden's two sons. He made appearances on the show, though, in Seasons 11 and 12, where he re-connected with Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer). This led to Casey proposing to Brett, her saying yes, and the two getting married in Season 12, Episode 6. Now, they're both off to Portland to keep raising the Darden boys and baby Julia, the girl Brett adopted at the end of Season 11. 

How to Watch

Watch Chicago Fire Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC and next day on Peacock.

Chi-Hards know so much about Matt Casey, but what about Spencer, the man who plays him? It may surprise some viewers to learn that the actor isn't from America — even though he nails the accent. In fact, Spencer plays such a convincing Chicagoan that his actual accent is downright surprising. 

RELATED: Kara Killmer Reveals the Secret to Her and Jesse Spencer’s On-Screen Chemistry

Where is Chicago Fire's Jesse Spencer from? 

Jesse Spencer smiles on the red carpet at the "One Chicago Day" event

Jesse Spencer is from Australia — Melbourne, to be specific — and he still has his accent. Want proof? Watch the video at the top of this article, where Spencer and Killmer dish on the Brettsey wedding. 

"On the phone, I'll normally [use my] American [accent] because if I'm saying numbers or letters, it just doesn't work," he told Hollywood Outbreak with a laugh. "I need to be subtitled! I'll drop into [the American accent] just for clarity, I think. But I forget the phrases, you forget the colloquialisms and things [in Australia]. I'll go back to Australia, and I'm like, 'Oh, I forgot about that phrase!' Then I come back [to America], and within two weeks, I've forgotten them all again." 

RELATED: Why Brett Left Chicago Fire — And Is Kara Killmer Gone for Good?

Spencer isn't the only Chicago Fire actor who's had to learn an American accent. Eamonn Walker (a.k.a Chief Boden) is from the U.K. and has a British accent. 

"I'm from London, but my true heritage is, my parents were born in Grenada [an island nation in the Caribbean]," Walker revealed during a "Fast Chat" with NBC.