From ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ to Firehouse 51, Dermot Mulroney’s Chicago Story Continues
When Dermot Mulroney first stepped onto the Chicago Fire set as the newly minted Chief Dom Pascal, it wasn’t just a new job—it was a homecoming.
At 60, the seasoned actor is savoring the rare joy of returning to a city that shaped both his personal life and professional career. From his college days at Northwestern to rom-com fame in My Best Friend’s Wedding, Mulroney has long held a deep connection with the Windy City. Now, with Chicago Fire in its 13th season, he’s back where it all began.
🎬 From Romantic Lead to Firehouse Leader
It’s been nearly three decades since Mulroney filmed the beloved 1997 film My Best Friend’s Wedding alongside Julia Roberts. Now, he finds himself walking the same streets—not as a groom-to-be, but as Chief Pascal, the no-nonsense yet emotionally complex leader of Firehouse 51.
“Of course, I right away took footage of the tour boat going under the bridge and sent that to my buddy Julia,” Mulroney shared in an appearance on the 3rd Hour of TODAY, referencing the movie’s iconic river scene. “I feel like Chicago always brings me back to something meaningful.”
👨👩👧👦 Generations Behind the Camera
Mulroney’s return to Chicago came with more than just nostalgia—it brought surprising reunions. “I’m running into people I worked with decades ago,” he revealed, “and even more incredibly, I’m now working with their kids.”
One standout moment? Discovering that his hairstylist on Chicago Fire, Marissa, is the daughter of the set painter from My Best Friend’s Wedding. “That’s when I realized how full-circle this really is,” he said, visibly moved.
The same goes for stunt work: Mulroney’s longtime double, Rick LeFevour, has passed the torch to his son, Rick Jr., who now serves as Mulroney’s double on Chicago Fire. “So I guess I never age in Chicago,” Mulroney joked. “At least not from behind.”
🔥 Joining a Firehouse Family
Stepping into the boots of Chief Pascal also means following in the footsteps of a One Chicago legend—Eamonn Walker, who played Chief Wallace Boden for 12 seasons. While Boden’s character has taken a step back in the storyline, Walker is expected to return in a recurring capacity.
“It’s humbling,” Mulroney says of succeeding Walker’s legacy. “I’m joining something that’s bigger than me—a well-oiled machine with a cast that feels like a real family. You can’t fake that kind of chemistry.”
💪 Workouts, Wisdom & What’s Next
Filming Chicago Fire is no easy task, and Mulroney isn’t just delivering speeches behind a desk. “Let’s just say I’m getting my cardio,” he laughed. “The physical demands are real, but so is the adrenaline. It’s the kind of workout you can’t prepare for—running drills, smoke-filled sets, full fire gear… I love it.”
Despite his decades in Hollywood, Mulroney says this role is still teaching him new things. “It’s an education every day,” he said. “I’ve played lawyers, musicians, lovers, villains—but this? Being a fire chief? It’s leadership. It’s emotional weight. It’s something different entirely.”
🏙️ A Love Letter to Chicago
For Mulroney, this role is more than just a paycheck—it’s a heartfelt return to his roots. Whether he’s sending skyline snapshots to Julia Roberts or trading set stories with second-generation crew members, he’s clearly savoring the experience.
“Chicago is in my DNA,” he said. “To come back and be part of a show that celebrates the city, its people, its heroism—what more could I ask for?”
🚨 What’s Ahead for Chief Pascal?
As Chicago Fire heads into Season 14, Chief Pascal is positioned as a central figure in Firehouse 51’s evolving story. From handling political pressures to navigating personal revelations—especially the mystery surrounding his late wife’s death—Pascal’s arc is only heating up.
And with Mulroney’s blend of gravitas, warmth, and charm, fans can expect this chapter in the One Chicago universe to be one for the books.
💬 Have a favorite Dermot Mulroney memory—on Chicago Fire or beyond? Let us know below and follow @OneChicagoWeekly for more behind-the-scenes exclusives.
