Monica Raymund, best known for her role as Gabriela Dawson on NBC’s hit show Chicago Fire, captivated audiences for six seasons before leaving to explore other opportunities. She went on to star in Hightown on Starz, which ran for three seasons before its unexpected cancellation. Raymund’s next TV endeavor, the Dick Wolf-produced streaming series On Call, delivered a surprise to fans: a brief yet powerful cameo as Officer Delgado.
In On Call, Raymund’s character meets a shocking end early in the storyline. Officer Delgado’s death sets the tone for the series, becoming a pivotal event that profoundly impacts Officer Traci Harmon (played by Troian Bellisario) as she trains her next rookie. While Raymund’s appearance was fleeting, the emotional weight of her character’s arc left a lasting impression.
Executive producer Tim Walsh explained the intention behind Raymund’s short stint, referencing a classic cinematic twist:
“Hitchcock did it with Psycho, so we thought we’d do it here on On Call,” Walsh told TV Insider. “Janet Leigh gets murdered a quarter of the way in. And obviously, we don’t spend that much time with Monica, but we did want people to feel like they were going to watch a show about her, and evidently, that’s not the case.”
A Brief Role, But a Big Impact
Although Raymund’s screen time was limited, her role as Officer Delgado resonated deeply. The tragic demise of Delgado becomes the emotional anchor for On Call, influencing the series’ characters and themes. Executive producer Eliott Wolf emphasized the importance of casting someone who could bring gravitas to the role.
“It’s such a memorable role. We really wanted someone who would knock that performance out of the park, which Monica did,” Wolf said.
The collaboration on On Call also marked a reunion for Walsh and Raymund, who previously worked together on Hightown. On that project, Raymund not only starred but also served as a producer, showcasing her versatility and talent.
What Is On Call All About?
On Call offers a unique take on the police drama genre. The half-hour series follows a rookie officer paired with a seasoned veteran as they patrol Long Beach, California. The show employs an innovative blend of handheld camera work, bodycam, and dashcam footage to create a raw, cinema verité aesthetic.
The main cast includes Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars) as Officer Traci Harmon and Brandon Larracuente (The Good Doctor). Other notable cast members include Lori Loughlin (Fuller House), Rich Ting (Tulsa King), and Eriq La Salle (ER), who also serves as an executive producer and multi-episode director.
Produced by a powerhouse team—Dick Wolf, Eliott Wolf, Walsh, La Salle, and Peter Jankowski—the series explores the moral complexities of law enforcement, blending adrenaline-fueled action with thought-provoking storytelling.
For fans of Monica Raymund, her brief but unforgettable role on On Call serves as a reminder of her ability to leave a lasting impact, even in a short span of time.