From Forks Chief To Fire Chief: Where Is Billy Burke, The 'Father From Twilight,' Now?

The character of Chief Charlie Swan, Bella Swan's perpetually awkward but deeply loving father in *The Twilight Saga*, remains one of the franchise's most enduring and relatable figures. While the vampire and werewolf drama dominated the headlines, actor Billy Burke's portrayal of the humble Forks Police Chief grounded the fantastical series in a much-needed dose of dry, small-town reality. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the actor behind the iconic mustache is making significant career moves, including a high-profile exit from a major network drama and the release of a new, intense independent film.

The question of "Where are they now?" is common for the cast of the massive *Twilight* phenomenon, and Billy Burke has certainly kept busy. Beyond his famous role as the protective, flannel-wearing dad, Burke has built a robust career in television and film, recently making headlines for his role as a Battalion Chief in a popular CBS series. This deep dive into his life and career reveals the latest updates, his full biography, and the fresh projects that are defining his post-Forks legacy.

The Complete Biography and Profile of William Albert Burke

William Albert "Billy" Burke is an American actor, musician, and scriptwriter known for his versatile career across film and television. His role as Charlie Swan is arguably his most globally recognized, but his body of work spans decades and genres, showcasing a talent for playing complex, often authoritative characters.

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• Full Name: William Albert Burke
• Known As: Billy Burke
• Date of Birth: November 25, 1966
• Place of Birth: Everett, Washington, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Scriptwriter, Musician
• Notable Roles: Charlie Swan (*The Twilight Saga*), Mitch Wilkinson (*24*), Dr. Beaumont Rosewood (*Rizzoli & Isles*), Miles Matheson (*Revolution*), Mickey Rourke (*Maid*), Vince Leone (*Fire Country*).
• Spouse: Pollyanna Rose (m. 2008; div. 2020)
• Children: One daughter, Bluey LaRue Burke.
• Career Start: Began his career in the early 1990s, often appearing in supporting roles before landing major television and film parts.

Burke’s roots in Washington State, where he was born and raised, provided a natural connection to the character of Charlie Swan, who lives in the perpetually rainy, small town of Forks, Washington, the setting for the *Twilight* books by Stephenie Meyer. This authenticity helped make Charlie a fan favorite, providing a much-needed human counterbalance to the supernatural drama involving Bella Swan and Edward Cullen.

The Enduring Legacy of Chief Charlie Swan

Charlie Swan was more than just the father of the protagonist, Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart); he was the emotional anchor for the entire *Twilight Saga*. Fans connected with his genuine, if slightly awkward, attempts to parent a moody teenager and his deep, unwavering love for his daughter.

His character arc, from a small-town police chief to the grandfather of a half-vampire child, was one of the most subtly dramatic in the series. He was the quintessential "dad" figure, often shown wearing a police uniform or a flannel shirt, his dry humor and visible discomfort with emotional conversations providing comic relief. The success of the character is a testament to Burke’s performance, which managed to make a supporting role feel essential.

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Even years after the final film, *Breaking Dawn – Part 2*, Burke's portrayal is frequently celebrated at fan conventions and in online discussions. The character's popularity has even led to fan campaigns and viral content celebrating his "dad energy." This enduring affection ensures that Charlie Swan remains a significant part of Burke’s professional identity, a role he often reflects on with fondness in interviews, even if he hasn't read all of Stephenie Meyer's original novels.

Billy Burke's Major Career Pivots: From Fire Country to Outbreak (2024–2025)

Since his time in Forks, Billy Burke has consistently worked in high-profile projects, proving he is far more than just "the father from *Twilight*." His career has been marked by roles in popular series like *Revolution* and the Netflix hit *Maid*, where he played the lead character's estranged father, Mickey Rourke, showcasing his dramatic range. However, his most recent work has centered on the high-action world of firefighting.

The Shocking Exit from CBS’s Fire Country

Burke's most prominent role in recent years has been as Battalion Chief Vince Leone on the popular CBS action-drama *Fire Country*. The series, which debuted in 2022, follows a group of inmates who fight wildfires in Northern California. Burke’s character, Vince, is a central figure, a seasoned fire chief and the father of the show’s main protagonist, Bode Donovan.

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His work on the show has been critically praised, but in a significant and recent development, reports have indicated that Billy Burke will be exiting *Fire Country* as a series regular after the conclusion of Season 3. While the exact reasons for his departure are not fully detailed, the news suggests a major career pivot for the actor, potentially opening the door for new and different projects. This move is a major headline for fans who have come to love Vince Leone’s authoritative presence on the show.

New Film Project: Outbreak (Formerly Mourning Rock)

Adding to his fresh slate of projects is the independent film *Outbreak*, a project that was previously titled *Mourning Rock*. This film is a major focus for Burke, as he not only stars in it but also serves as an executive producer, demonstrating his growing involvement behind the camera.

In *Outbreak*, Burke plays the role of Neil Morris in what is described as an intense, character-driven story. The film is set to be released in late 2024 or early 2025 and will be available to stream on various Video-On-Demand (VOD) platforms, including Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home. This move into independent film production and a leading role in a thriller showcases Burke’s commitment to varied and challenging cinematic ventures outside of network television. The shift from a long-running series like *Fire Country* to executive producing and starring in a film like *Outbreak* highlights his desire to explore new creative avenues in his career.

The Future of the Twilight Dad

Billy Burke’s career trajectory is a perfect example of a successful actor who leveraged a globally famous role into a diverse and sustainable career. His work as Charlie Swan will forever be his legacy to the *Twilight* fandom, but his current projects in 2024 and 2025, particularly his role as Vince Leone in *Fire Country* and his new movie *Outbreak*, confirm his status as a versatile and in-demand performer. Whether he's navigating supernatural teenagers in Forks or battling wildfires in California, Burke continues to captivate audiences with his grounded, compelling performances, ensuring that the "father from *Twilight*" remains a relevant and exciting figure in Hollywood.