Childhood memories from reality TV can be vibrant and eventful, but for Daniel Kyri, one particular incident during his time on 'Kid Nation' stands out as profoundly terrifying.
- Sep 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - Daniel Kyri, now renowned for his role as Darren Ritter on NBC's hit series "Chicago Fire," recently revisited a harrowing experience from his early years in reality TV. In a preview of VICE TV's "Dark Side of Reality TV", the 29-year-old recounted an alarming incident involving bleach during the 2007 reality series "Kid Nation" that placed children in charge of creating a society without adult supervision in Bonanza City, New Mexico.
Reflecting on the "infamous" event, Kyri described how it unfolded early one morning on set. Tasked with managing the saloon, Kyri intended to start the day with what he believed was a refreshing lemony drink. "I just grab this sort of faintly yellow liquid. It's giving citrus. It's giving lemon, like it's giving fresh," Kyri recalls, unsuspecting of the peril that lay within.
Fellow "Kid Nation" contestant Olivia Cloer shed additional light on the situation, explaining that the crew had been using bleach to sanitize certain areas where the cast ate and drank, inadvertently setting the stage for Kyri's misfortune.
Bottles meant for bleach were indistinguishable from those used for regular beverages. Unaware of the peril, Kyri drank the bleach, realizing almost instantly the severity of his mistake, "And then, a burning and fumes, the fumes that kind of rise up, it chokes off your oxygen so you can't breathe."
In a frantic effort for help, Kyri dashed toward the adults on set after a fellow contestant identified the liquid as bleach. The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers hidden in the world of reality TV.
Since then, Daniel Kyri has transitioned from these early, precarious experiences to a steady career in scripted television. He has been a series regular on "Chicago Fire" since 2018, portraying the beloved character Darren Ritter. His journey from the unpredictable realm of reality TV to a stable role in a prime-time drama encapsulates resilience and growth.
For those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes realities of early reality TV shows like "Kid Nation", VICE TV's episode of "Dark Side of Reality TV" featuring Daniel Kyri airs on September 17 at 9 p.m. ET. It promises a deep dive into these formative, often controversial, experiences.
