Before you start reading this article, how about hitting play on the playlist Jocelyn curated for us?
I always wanted to be an actress.
That was the first thing Jocelyn Hudon said to me—and I must admit, in that moment, I was transported to all the dreams that begin just like that: with a quiet yet vibrant desire, one that insists on existing even in the face of fear, doubt, and the uncertainties of the path ahead.
If you, like me, follow Chicago Fire, you might also remember the exact moment we first saw her as Lizzie Novak: the determined, sensitive, and incredibly human paramedic who arrived at Firehouse 51 with a sparkle in her eye and an energy that seemed to embrace the entire scene. It was impossible to ignore her. And perhaps that’s the natural effect of Jocelyn herself—she doesn’t just play a role. She inhabits it.
Lizzie Novak’s first appearance on Chicago Fire was anything but subtle. Newly transferred from Lakeview to Ambulance 61 at Firehouse 51, she made it clear from the start that she isn’t afraid to be transparent—or, perhaps, to defy expectations. In a direct conversation with Violet, her new partner and team lead, she openly shared that she left her previous post after becoming involved with an instructor, which caused tension with his wife. Violet’s reaction—and likely that of the audience—was one of surprise at the candor with which Novak told her story, revealing a character unafraid to expose her vulnerabilities.
But soon after, we witnessed a completely different side of her. In one of the most striking scenes of her debut, she finds herself face-to-face with an armed child. The way she approaches, listens to, and gently connects with the boy is deeply moving. Without losing her composure, she handles the situation with empathy and presence, ultimately disarming him with remarkable precision.
It was then that we understood—Novak is far more complex than she seems. And perhaps it’s this very contrast that makes her so compelling. That was the moment Jocelyn truly found her character.
The first scene I filmed was like, ‘Yeah, I slept with an instructor.’ And I thought, wow. That really shows how impulsive she can be. But then there’s the scene with the gun and the child… and that’s when you understand: she works hard, she has a lot of fun. That juxtaposition helped me fully understand the character.
Over time, we discover even more about Lizzie, including her martial arts skills like kickboxing. For Jocelyn, bringing this character to life is also a way to inspire:
“To show girls, young women, older women… that you can go further. Or just be a good example for people—that, in itself, inspires the world.”
Before becoming Lizzie Novak to Chicago Fire fans, Jocelyn had already spent countless hours on stage—though in other forms of expression. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, she began performing at a very young age through ballet. At eleven, she joined the National Ballet School of Canada, where she immersed herself in dance with the same dedication we now see on screen. Her ballet background likely contributes to the grace and control she brings to roles that demand physicality and movement.
Later, she pursued academics, earning a degree in Communications and a post-graduate diploma in Public Relations. But as she told me with a calm smile, “The quiet passion that was always underneath everything was acting.” And little by little, that passion found its voice—and its place.
From a very young age, Jocelyn found inspiration that helped shape her dream. When I asked if there was an actor or actress who had influenced her, she didn’t hesitate:
“Angelina Jolie. I remember watching Tomb Raider and thinking, ‘Wow, this is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.’ I didn’t even know women could do those kinds of things. I love women in action roles—I think it’s so cool. I love Tomb Raider. When I saw that movie, I thought, ‘That’s it. That’s what I want to do. I want to do exactly that.’”
That early reference was crucial in awakening her desire to pursue a path where she could embody strong and memorable characters.
The road to becoming an actress is rarely simple—and for Jocelyn, it required not just talent, but courage. One of the biggest hurdles for aspiring actors, she explained, is the vicious cycle that so many face: to get an agent, you need a resume; to build a resume, you need an agent. Faced with this paradox, she decided to break the pattern with boldness and intuition. Instead of sending emails, as was expected, she walked straight into an agency—head held high, with no résumé or portfolio—just the determination to try. “I just walked in and said, ‘Hi, please give me a chance.’” And it worked. That was the first step toward turning her passion into a profession.
When I asked who had supported her in those early days, Jocelyn was honest:
“I definitely didn’t have many people in my life who were involved in the arts—acting, film, or TV.” Instead, she found encouragement in unexpected but equally meaningful places—like sports. “Athletes and coaches often share a mindset that I think is essential to being an actor.” She fondly mentioned David, her SoulCycle instructor, who always motivated her, even without any ties to the entertainment world. “Having that kind of support system was really important to me.” Still, the beginning was lonely. “People would say, ‘You’re going to be an actress? That’s crazy.’” But when she proved that it was possible to live her passion, everything changed. “Once I showed I could do it, everyone started to believe in me and support me. Now I have the support of my friends, my family… But in the beginning—you’re on your own for a while.”
Digital Edition
The May edition of D’idées explores modern sensuality through the lens of authenticity, confidence, and personal expression. From fashion stories that invite rediscovery to beauty features that celebrate magnetic intention, each page reflects a deeper kind of allure — one that emerges when a woman feels fully herself. With a special spotlight on culture and emotion, this issue honors the courage to pause, to reinvent, and to tell stories that resonate with truth and tenderness.
There was a role, early in Jocelyn’s career, that deeply moved her—not because it was her biggest or most well-known part, but because it demanded everything she had. It was in an episode of the series Ransom, where she played a character who danced ballet and spoke Russian. “It was a full day of acting, but also training choreography, working on the accent, doing Russian language coaching,” she recalls. “I felt so alive in that role, because there was so much involved, and I really thrived under all that responsibility.” It wasn’t just about memorizing lines—it was dancing alone on stage, in character, and doing it all in another language.
“It wasn’t just learning lines. It was learning the lines in Russian, preparing a ballet solo, and absolutely owning the stage.”
That was the moment she truly knew she was on the right path. “That role made me feel like: ‘This is exactly what I was born to do.’ I felt completely… fulfilled.”
Ballet, in fact, has always been a part of Jocelyn’s life—long before the cameras. She began dancing at age three, and by eleven, she was training at the prestigious National Ballet School of Canada, where her love for the art only deepened. “Ballet was definitely the best thing,” she says, with a warmth in her voice that makes the sentiment unmistakable.
Even now, she feels that this training has been essential to the actress she has become. “The discipline, the spatial and body awareness you develop through ballet… all of that helps me on set,” she explains. For Jocelyn, the ability to quickly receive and incorporate direction during filming stems directly from her artistic foundation. “You might get 20 notes on set, internalize everything, and perform like it was already part of the scene. You don’t show that you got a note—it just becomes part of your body.” With a laugh, she jokes: “Ballet helps with everything… just not so much with hip hop. That transition is hard. I can’t do it!” But she quickly returns to what she feels most clearly: “Ballet is everything.”
If ballet developed Jocelyn’s body awareness and discipline, martial arts awakened a different side of the actress. Anyone who follows Jocelyn on social media has likely seen her in action—literally—showcasing her taekwondo skills with precise punches and kicks worthy of an action film. “Martial arts are amazing. I’m so happy I started training,” she says. She had already been boxing for years, but it was diving into taekwondo that truly made her realize how fun it could be. “I love hitting and kicking things. It’s great!” she laughs.
More than just technique, Jocelyn feels a deeper motivation:
“I think it’s important to be a woman who knows how to do things—and to show that we can do them. Women with special skills are so interesting.” She adds: “I love seeing other people’s unique talents… and showing mine too.”
Coincidentally—or perhaps not—her character on Chicago Fire also reflects this multidimensionality that Jocelyn values so deeply. While we see her in action as a paramedic, making urgent decisions and saving lives, there’s room to explore other layers of the character as well. “I love doing martial arts on the show. I think it’s amazing,” she says, excited about the chance to show that a woman can, indeed, be many things at once.
For Jocelyn, this kind of representation matters.
Once again, it’s about showing girls, young women, older women—anyone—that you can do more. That you’re being a good example for others. And they look at you and think, ‘Look at her! She’s doing that and so much more.’
That admiration extends beyond the screen. “I find it so inspiring to see someone with a special skill,” she says, lighting up as she talks about her fascination with Nara Smith, who makes salad dressings from scratch on Instagram. “Or girls who are great at home renovations or building decks. I think that’s incredible. I love seeing people do what they’re good at—whether it’s embroidery, sewing, cooking… I love seeing capable people do their thing, because that inspires the world.”
When talking about her character on Chicago Fire, Jocelyn’s eyes light up with affection. When I asked what first stood out to her about Novak, she didn’t hesitate: “I feel like she’s willing to do anything. She just shows up and supports. She doesn’t judge. She cares. And her empathy is what drives her.”
With a genuine connection to both victims and coworkers, Novak carries a rare sensitivity—something Jocelyn believes makes her truly unique.
We also spoke about the friendship between Novak and Violet, a bond filled with warmth and mutual support that radiates off the screen. “I completely agree,” Jocelyn responded. “You can have two people who are completely different, and still, they work beautifully together and balance each other out. I love that.” And it’s easy to see she truly feels and admires everything this character stands for.
Throughout her career, Jocelyn has brought to life a wide range of characters—often in lighter storylines, playing the “girl next door” type she herself describes as a comfortable, natural fit. But portraying Lizzie Novak marked a turning point. “Playing Lizzie was a challenge,” she says. “These sweeter roles, more like the girl next door, are very much in my comfort zone. But being a professional, saying medical terms, being part of such a big ensemble… that was definitely a shift for me.”
And what a shift it was. Embracing the seriousness of the role—handling action scenes, high-stakes tension, and life-or-death decisions—demanded more of her, and she dove in with enthusiasm.
“I love having to be really serious, then fun, then doing action scenes, carrying people on a stretcher. Learning how to start an IV or place a cervical collar… I love being able to do all of that at work.”
Lizzie pushed Jocelyn further, but also revealed a more layered, capable actress—ready for stories that demand intensity, precision, and heart.
To bring paramedic Lizzie Novak to life with the intensity and accuracy the role demands, Jocelyn immersed herself in the world of the series. “Before joining, I tried to watch as many episodes as possible, just to understand the world of Chicago Fire,” she says.
More than just absorbing the dramatic tone, she wanted to understand what her real responsibility was on screen—and how a frontline professional should act. “In real life, if there’s an emergency, I panic. If there’s blood or a broken bone, I’m like: ‘Oh my God, this is the end of the world!’” she laughs.
But that all changed with guidance from the show’s technical advisor, Michelle—a real-life paramedic. “She told me, ‘We don’t panic. We see this every day.’” It was in that moment that Jocelyn understood: to be there authentically, she would need to remain calm amid the chaos.
“You have to take everything seriously, but stay composed and focused. You handle the problem while also keeping the victim calm, being a source of support, getting them into the ambulance, and making sure they get to the hospital safely.”
That lesson—acting with empathy without losing composure—became essential for tackling the show’s most intense scenes. “It helped me a lot, especially in the emergency scenes. And working as a team, making it all happen… that’s part of it now.”
If the seriousness and technical preparation were a valuable learning curve, the lighter, more playful moments came naturally to her. “That’s really just my personality. It’s how I function. So those fun scenes feel really comfortable to me. And on top of that, they’re amazing to play.”
A big part of Chicago Fire’s enduring success comes from the chemistry between the characters—and as Jocelyn reveals, it’s not just for the cameras. “It’s all real, because the cast is amazing. There’s no one who’s difficult. Everyone is kind. Everyone is funny.”
That off-screen energy, she says, is key to making the on-screen dynamics feel so effortless. “I think maybe that’s the secret to the show’s success for 13—now 14—seasons. It’s a solid group of people. We tease each other, we joke around, we support each other… that real-life chemistry carries onto the screen, because it’s exactly how we are.”
With so much passion and heart poured into the role, it was only natural that Jocelyn would be curious about how audiences were responding to her character, Lizzie Novak. And yes—she keeps a close eye on it. “I read every comment I can find. Ever since I started, I’ve been keeping up because I know how important the fanbase is. I like to understand what people are thinking.”
To her delight, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.
“From day one, they were so welcoming. People would say, ‘She seems a little crazy, but let’s see where this goes.’ They were getting to know me, too. But as they got to know Lizzie, they saw how well-written and layered she is. And now, the fans really love her—which makes me really happy, because I love this character.”
That love extends far beyond the comments section. “We meet fans all the time because they fly in from all over the world to visit the firehouse where we shoot,” Jocelyn shares. She’s met people from South Korea, Italy, the Netherlands. “It’s always so wonderful to meet them. Sometimes they even bring gifts. I’ve received handmade friendship bracelets, and once, a girl gave me a little Funko-style figure. Getting to interact with them is amazing.”
Lizzie Novak stands out for her authenticity—and to Jocelyn, that’s exactly what makes playing her so meaningful. “She’s such a well-written character because she’s human. She has flaws, she makes mistakes. She’s a friend, but she clashes with people sometimes. She knows she won’t please everyone, but she’s strong, funny, an incredible partner, and a great part of the team. Playing her is so rewarding. I truly think she’s a great character. And I love being part of that. I think she’s an important piece of the Chicago Fire team.”
While talking about Lizzie’s courage, I pointed out how inspiring it is to see such a determined and genuine woman on screen. Jocelyn agreed, believing that strength comes from a very specific place. “I think leading with empathy helps fuel that bravery. Lizzie just wants to get to the victims. I think it was in episode one of season 13… there was a little girl trapped in a car, and she said: ‘I’ll go first. I’m going in now.’ Because she wants to be right there with the victim—with the child—offering support. You don’t even think about what might happen to you. You’re in the car, covered in glass, just wanting to make sure the person is okay. I think that’s how her mind works.”
Jocelyn reflects that, when danger arises, Lizzie is the kind of person who acts. “If you think about those ‘fight or flight’ situations, Lizzie is clearly ‘fight.’ She’ll be there, running toward the danger. Just like she tells Dermot’s character, Chief Pascal: ‘We’re frontline. We run toward the danger. We don’t run away from it.’ And that’s why they’re in this field.”
But the character also carries trauma, and some scenes demand a shift in tone—a deeper emotional dive. “It’s tough,” she admits. “You have to shift gears in her personality, like we do in real life. You have your ‘woo!’ moments, and you also have moments of quiet, of intense feeling. When I’m filming those scenes, I tend to stay more to myself, to pull inward and get into a more serious state of mind. That helps me feed the story and make sure I’m connecting with the other actor in the scene.”
For Jocelyn, this complexity makes Lizzie a strong yet sensitive character—just like real women are. “It’s wonderful to see a female character who can be strong and sensitive at the same time.”
Although Chicago Fire is a series full of action and adrenaline, there is also room for moments of deep emotion—for both the viewers and the cast on set. Jocelyn fondly and respectfully recalls one particular scene that touched her profoundly.
“There was an episode this season (season 13, episode 16) where Pascal’s character loses his wife, and he tries to piece together what happened in the accident. We all go to the scene, and he’s trying to understand what happened, but at the same time, he’s wondering: ‘Am I going crazy? Am I the only one seeing this?’ He begins to have an emotional breakdown.”
Jocelyn didn’t have any lines in the scene, but she was present and therefore able to witness her colleague Dermot Mulroney’s dedication up close. “Watching Dermot perform that scene was incredibly moving and inspiring. He’s amazing. And seeing how he filmed it… it was truly powerful. Even though I didn’t have lines there, just being present made it a moment that really affected me.”
These moments of vulnerability in the script remind us of the series’ strength in balancing action and emotion—and also reveal the level of commitment the cast has to their stories. Chicago Fire may be about running toward danger, but at its core, it’s about humanity.
When I asked Jocelyn about the most intense moments she experienced on set, she didn’t hesitate to highlight a scene that required a lot of preparation and dedication: “Definitely, the cesarean section scene. It was in episode 4 this year (‘Through the Skin’). Without a doubt, the most intense scene of this season (13) was the cesarean because we spent the whole day performing a C-section on a ‘dead’ body and saving a baby.”
The complexity of the scene went far beyond acting — there was a whole technical structure involved: “There was a real baby. There was a robot baby. That was definitely the most intense, high-pressure scene to film.”
She shares that for the team, it was extremely rewarding to see the final result on screen: “It was very gratifying to watch it on TV afterwards because it really turned out exactly the way we all wanted. I think the audience really liked it too.”
For viewers, many of these details often go unnoticed. She explains the care and study the crew invested to make the scene as realistic as possible: “We rehearsed for an entire day. We watched real C-sections. We went through the human body — there’s a fake belly, layers of fat, and the uterus. We cut through all of that, learning as we went.”
It was a long and intense process: “Yes, it was a whole day, but I think it was definitely worth it.”
This attention to detail is reflected in the authenticity of the series, which always strives to respect the reality of the professions and situations portrayed, touching and captivating the audience with impactful and true-to-life stories.
Working on a series like Chicago Fire can be as thrilling as it is challenging. The filming involves intense scenes, long hours on set, and a significant emotional toll. To stay balanced amidst it all, taking care of mental and emotional health becomes essential — something Jocelyn Hudon takes seriously.
“I’ve been working with a mindset coach, Shannon Bills. I talk to her on Sundays, and it’s just a time for us to connect — I share how my week went, and she helps me keep my mind in the right place,” she shares.
Besides emotional support, physical movement is also an important part of her wellness routine. “So definitely, my mindset coach and also physical exercise. Doing something just for me, moving my body, taking time for things I love like SoulCycle or Pilates.”
And on her days off? The remedy is lightness. “Relaxing and watching something like Friends, Gilmore Girls, something light — Parks and Rec, The Office… Just something that lets you decompress on those two days off, so you can come back and give 110% on Monday.”
Between one action-packed scene and the next, it’s this self-care that keeps Jocelyn steady and ready to genuinely embody the emotions that make Chicago Fire such a memorable series.
Even on her days off, Jocelyn Hudon’s energy seems boundless. For her, making the most of free time means being active — quite literally.
“I have so much energy. I love running around. I’m passionate about SoulCycle, Taekwondo, photo shoots, hanging out with friends, going to the beach, hiking with my dog… Being active is the best way for me to relax,” she shares with a smile. “By the end of the day, I’m exhausted. Because I’ve used every moment, every minute of my day. I’ve burned through it all. And that’s exactly what I like to do when I have some time for myself: fill it with things I love.”
With that enthusiasm, she inspires everyone who listens and playfully adds, “As Drake says: YOLO.”
But emotional balance isn’t just about adrenaline. In her daily routine, Jocelyn cultivates small rituals that help keep her mind calm and her feet on the ground.
“I meditate. And, well… I drink my Bulletproof coffee. I have a pretty elaborate coffee ritual,” she says, amused. “I put MCT oil, maca, collagen, colostrum, cinnamon, ghee, inulin… All of that in my coffee, every day. It’s five minutes just for me, and I love that moment with my warm coffee.”
When the day allows, she seeks other moments of silence. “If I arrive on set and there’s some waiting time, I try to meditate during that break too.”
And to stay more present and less attached to what’s on the screens, she found practical solutions: “I try to read, do embroidery, and stay away from my phone. I have an Instagram blocker and a social media monitor on my phone. That helps me spend as little time online as possible and keeps me more centered in the present.”
Between the intensity of work and the fast pace of life, Jocelyn is consciously and joyfully building a routine that leaves room for everything that moves her — including moments of silence.
Asking Jocelyn Hudon about fashion is an invitation to discover her most authentic side. Although she’s used to the carefully styled costumes on TV, off-camera her style is completely different: effortless, light, and all about comfort.
“Oh, I’m kind of a ‘hobo’ when I’m off set,” she laughs, with honesty and good humor. “What I really like is being comfortable. Usually, I’m either heading to a workout class or just hanging out at home, so I dress very practically.”
Her go-to look? Leggings, t-shirts, loose jeans — anything that doesn’t restrict movement or interfere with comfort. “I don’t want to feel uncomfortable when I’m at home, with friends, or enjoying my free time. So, I wear whatever is most comfortable. The looser, the better.”
It’s this unpretentious style that reveals a woman who knows her own rhythm, her priorities, and what makes her feel good. And while in front of the cameras Jocelyn may be seen in firefighter uniforms or glamorous dresses, it’s with light and easy pieces that she truly feels at home.
Besides comfortable clothes in her wardrobe, Jocelyn also knows exactly what essentials can’t be missing from her makeup bag — those go-to items that save the day in any situation.
“Definitely lip balm,” she begins. “And I use that Rhode product, the Glazing Milk. You can just put that on your face, and you’re ready to go. That and a lip balm.” For Jocelyn, hydration is everything: “Anything that moisturizes, I like to apply on my face.”
She’s also picked up some backstage beauty tricks. “While acting, I learned to use Lumify eye drops on days when I wake up with red eyes — it makes the whites really bright. I try not to overdo it, but when I need it, it makes a difference.”
Another trick she’s adopted and shared is using a nude pencil on the waterline. “I’m wearing it now,” she said, leaning in slightly to show it up close. And indeed, the effect is instant: the eyes look more open, and her green eyes stand out even more. A simple but powerful trick that enhances her natural beauty effortlessly. “So I use a nude pencil on the waterline, then the drops, and then Rhode’s Glazing Milk,” she shares.
“And I think one of the things I like most on set is when the makeup artists use the beauty blender. They apply the makeup and, actually, most of the time, they’re taking off a bit of the excess so it doesn’t get too heavy. Especially throughout the day, when you get touched up many times, you don’t want layers and layers of makeup. So that helps take a bit off and keeps you looking more natural, without that heavy look.”
Talking to Jocelyn Hudon is like opening the windows of a sunlit home: everything brightens with lightness, truth, and spontaneity. Whether in front of the camera during intense scenes on Chicago Fire or in the small daily rituals, she radiates authenticity — that rare kind of beauty that isn’t made up, but simply revealed.
Between a carefully crafted coffee, a walk with her dog, and a touch of Rhode Glazing Milk on her face, Jocelyn reminds us of the importance of living each day with presence, care, and joy. And perhaps that’s what makes her so magnetic: she lives with a sparkle in her eyes and shows us that this glow can indeed come from within.
Written by Mayara Morelli
Photographer: Alex Evans
Makeup: Caroline Benita
Hair: Matthew Collins
Styling: Rachel Olson
We think you will also like to read...
Miranda Rae Mayo and the art of being a heroine, on and off the screen
