Emmett Rogers Fightmaster (born 8 June 1992), known professionally as E. R. Fightmaster, is an American non-binary actor, producer and writer.[1][2] Fightmaster is known for their work on Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Kai, and through their solo music project “FIGHTMASTER” with their 2023 EP Violence.
E. R. Fightmaster | |
|---|---|
| Born | Emily Rogers Fightmaster June 8, 1992 |
| Education | DePaul University |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, producer, writer |
Early life and education
Fightmaster grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, attending the Seven Hills School.[3] They then started college at the University of Cincinnati[1] before moving to Chicago and earning a degree from DePaul University in women and gender studies.[4]
Acting career
Fightmaster is a former member of The Second City's Chicago and touring companies. Their previous work includes performing with Boom Chicago, an English-language comedy troupe in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In 2020, Fightmaster was named a member of the CBS creative and writing team to lead the studio's actors showcase, formerly known as the CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase.[5]
Following a two-season stint on Hulu's Shrill,[6] in 2021, Fightmaster was cast in a recurring role on Grey's Anatomy as the show's first non-binary doctor.[7]
Musical career
Aside from acting work, they are one half of the music duo "Twin".[6] They also started a solo music project under the name FIGHTMASTER in August 2023, with their debut EP "Violence" set to be released on October 20.[8]
Personal life
Fightmaster is their real surname. "People will never stop asking me how it's spelled," they told the Chicago Tribune in 2018.[1]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Tales from the Closet | Themself | TV series (2 episodes); credited as Emily Fightmaster |
| 2019, 2021 | Work in Progress | Alexis | TV series (2 episodes) |
| 2020 | Yew Boys | Gill | Short film; also producer; credited as Emily Fightmaster |
| 2020 | Pathetic Woman | Andy | Short film; also producer and writer; credited as Emily Fightmaster |
| 2020 | Ancient Methods | Tara-Jay | Short film; credited as Emily Fightmaster |
| 2020–2021 | Shrill | Em / Emily | TV series (12 episodes) |
| 2021–2023 | Grey's Anatomy | Dr. Kai Bartley | TV series; Recurring role (Seasons 18-19) |
References
- ^ a b c Jones, Chris (September 7, 2018). "Our Hot New Faces of Chicago Theater: Here come the next names to know, Class of 2018". Chicago Tribune. p. 1. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Dry, Jude (May 21, 2021). "'Shrill's' E.R. Fightmaster on Bringing a Non-Binary Dreamboat to Screen". Retrieved October 29, 2021.
- ^ The Seven Hills School [@7_hills] (March 11, 2022). "Upper School students learned about media literacy and representation for Civic Engagement Day. 'Grey's Anatomy' star and alum E.R. Fightmaster gave the keynote speech on how good diversity representation creates empathy" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "E.R. Fightmaster". The Second City.
- ^ Low, Elaine (December 17, 2019). "CBS Unveils 2020 Showcase Creative Team, Writers' Room".
- ^ a b Rosario, Alexandra Del (October 27, 2021). "'Grey's Anatomy': 'Shrill' Alum E.R. Fightmaster To Recur As ABC Drama's First Nonbinary Doctor". Retrieved October 29, 2021.
- ^ Aurthur, Kate (October 27, 2021). "'Grey's Anatomy' Casts E.R. Fightmaster as First Non-Binary Doctor (EXCLUSIVE)". Retrieved October 29, 2021.
- ^ "Los Angeles Downtown News Events - FIGHTMASTER".