Fire Country Star Addresses 'Angry' Fans After Backlash Over Vince's Death
Fire Country fans received a message from one of the show’s stars after Vince’s death sparked backlash.
During the Friday, October 17, episode of the hit CBS series, Billy Burke
“I know some of y’all are angry. I see those notes also. And I FEEL you,” the actress, who plays Sharon, wrote. “But let me ask an honest question. If we only show the risk in this vocation, week after week, without at least attempting to portray the profound loss that comes to both a firehouse and a family when a key player — when one of their own — falls … wouldn’t we be skipping the deepest part of portraying firefighters?”
Farr, 56, defended Fire Country‘s writing choice.
“42’s chief is not going away easily or silently. Our writers have much to share on this. That honors the impact this character and this actor has made,” she continued. “Big feelings for the exit of Billy and Vince are a testament to his beautiful work. We have filmed half of Season4 @firecountrycbs so far and we are honoring it all year long. 🧡🚒.”
Earlier this year, Fire Country’s third season ended on a cliffhanger with Vince, Sharon and Walter’s (Jeff Fahey) lives left in the balance. News broke hours after the finale aired in April that budget cuts led to Burke, 58, and
While speaking to Us, showrunner Tia Napolitano defended the vision for the series going forward.
“It’s a fire show. Anyone can go at any time,” she said earlier this month about the character deaths and departures. “But in terms of losing people, we’re also adding some really fun guest cast. It’s a revolving door of people from Sharon’s past and new faces that are exciting to bring conflict and secrets and twists and turns.”
While there are plans for “really spicing it up” this season, the show still has to walk a “fine line” of paying tribute to the loss experienced on screen.
“What we’ve done is really thread the needle of honoring — especially Vince — because Gabriella is gone, but she’s gone to a happy and successful life. She’s still out there. But we really walk this line of honoring Vince while also finding hope rather quickly,” she noted. “Looking forward, the theme of the season is rising from the ashes and recovery.”
Napolitano continued: “How do you recover from something like this? And we’re really going to see everybody rise to the occasion, in celebration of Vince, of his life and in honoring the sacrifice that he made.”
Hollywood star Pedro Pascal sparks backlash with 'performative' appearance at No Kings rally
Pedro Pascal sparked fierce debate online after attending a 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles over the weekend.
Over the weekend, The Last of Us star, 50, shared several photos from the event on Instagram, including one of himself raising his fist beside a fellow demonstrator wearing a 'Black Brown Unity' T-shirt.
Other pictures showed him kissing an inflatable unicorn and documenting the crowd holding signs that read 'FREEDOM' and 'I Am Antifa! Anti-Fascist, Anti-Racist.'
While Pascal's post drew hundreds of thousands of likes, it also ignited a wave of polarized reactions, with some praising his activism and others accusing him of out-of-touch performative politics.
One critic wrote, 'Pedro Pascal showing up at the No Kings protest is Hollywood hypocrisy at its best - millionaires playing revolution while lecturing everyone else about equality. Nothing says 'power to the people' like a celebrity photo op wrapped in expensive activism.'
Another user pushed back, replying, 'So you complain when celebrities stay quiet, and you also complain when they don't. Make it make sense.'
Pedro Pascal sparked fierce debate online after attending a 'No Kings' protest in Los Angeles over the weekend
Others mocked the actor's participation, with one joking, 'Guess he's method prepping for his next role as a concerned citizen,' while another labeled him a 'leftist wingnut' that was 'quickly becoming one of the most disliked actors in the world.'
But just as many rushed to his defense, applauding him for using his platform to support progressive causes.
'The sign is absolutely brilliant! Pedro always knows exactly what to bring to the right protest. His dedication,' one fan wrote. Another praised, 'Thank you for being on the right side of history.'
Dozens of supporters echoed similar sentiments, with one writing, 'Thank you for using your platform for the right things again. We need to stand up! It shows me again that I support the right person.'
Another admirer added, 'Pedro Pascal never misses a cause. Man's got range on and off screen.'
For many, his continued outspokenness only deepened their respect.
'Oh we love when celebrities use their platform for good! He's been a legend for me ever since he spoke out in defense of trans rights a few months ago, and MAGA weirdos have made him the subject of their obsessions/fantasies ever since,' one fan said.
Another summed it up simply: 'Good on him! It takes guts to stand up for what you believe in, especially when you're in the spotlight. Can't blame a lad for using his fame for good!'
Over the weekend, the actor shared several photos from the event on Instagram, including one of himself raising his fist beside a fellow demonstrator wearing a 'Black Brown Unity' T-shirt
While Pascal's post drew hundreds of thousands of likes, it also ignited a wave of polarized reactions, with some praising his activism and others accusing him of out-of-touch politics
Other snapshots showed him kissing an inflatable unicorn and documenting the crowd holding signs that read 'FREEDOM' and 'I Am Antifa! Anti-Fascist, Anti-Racist'
Pascal, whose younger sister, Lux, came out as a transgender woman in 2021, has been an outspoken ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Earlier this year, he wore a white T-shirt with 'Protect The Dolls' on the front of it to the premiere of Marvel's Thunderbolts in London.
The phrase 'doll' is commonly used in the queer community in reference to transgender women.
Pascal's T-shirt is by American fashion designer Conner Ives, who previously said that all proceeds generated from the sale of it would go to Trans Lifeline charity.
Pascal, whose younger sister, Lux, came out as a transgender woman in 2021, has been an outspoken ally for the LGBTQIA+ community; seen in July 2025 with Lux
In June, Pascal doubled down on his criticisms of Harry Potter author JK Rowling over her gender-critical opinions.
The actor initially made the scathing 'heinous loser' remark in April on Instagram.
He was responding to activist Tariq Ra'ouf who was calling for a boycott of any future Harry Potter projects due to Rowling's outspoken stance on trans issues.
The British writer, 59, had celebrated a ruling by London's Supreme Court determining that, specifically within the terms of Britain's Equality act, 'woman' meant a biological female and not
Rowling, who also writes under the pen name Robert Galbraith, has also been involved in wars of words over the subject with Sir Stephen Fry, Boy George and
Earlier this year, he wore a white T-shirt with 'Protect The Dolls' on the front of it to the premiere of Marvel's Thunderbolts in London (pictured in April 2025)
Pascal has previously shown his support for the transgender community, earlier this year sharing on Instagram the quote: 'A world without trans people has never existed and never will.'
He added in his caption: 'I can't think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorizing the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.'
The actor has previously told of being fiercely protective of Lux, while also describing her as a 'powerful' personality who did not need to rely on him for support - adding: 'I need her more than she needs me.'
In a previous interview, he told Esquire magazine: 'I wouldn't want to speak on her behalf but she is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities I've ever known.
'My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.'
