E. R. Fightmaster
American actor, producer, and writer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 Bartley, and through their solo music project Fightmaster (stylized in all caps) with their 2023 EP Violence.
June 8, 1992
E. R. Fightmaster | |
|---|---|
| Born | Emily Rogers Fightmaster June 8, 1992 |
| Education | DePaul University |
| Occupations | Actor, producer, writer |
| Years active | 2019–present |
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 in women and gender studies from DePaul University.[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 CBS creative and writing team member 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]
Fightmaster was cast in the 2025 film Sorry, Baby, playing Fran.[8]
Podcasting career
Beginning in 2024, Fightmaster has co-hosted Jockular, a queer and women's sports-centered podcast, alongside Tien Tran and Katie Kershaw.[9][10]
Musical career
Aside from acting work, they are one half of the music duo "Twin."[6] They also started a solo music project named FIGHTMASTER in August 2023, releasing their debut EP, "Violence," on October 20.[11] In June 2024, they released "Bloodshed Baby", their second EP.[12]
Fightmaster performed as the opener during Orla Gartland's tour in the United States in 2025.[13][14]
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) |
| 2025 | Sorry, Baby | Fran | Feature film |