Since the premiere of the series Chicago Fire in 2012, actress Monica Raymund had been playing the role of Gabby Dawson, the paramedic who was married to the beloved Captain Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) in this hit NBC show.
Her exit was a real shocker. Many fans of the series were taken aback when Monica Raymund decided to leave the successful show in 2018, at the start of season 7. Those who follow the series know that Chicago Fire is not just about showcasing the heroics of its characters, but also delves into the lives of each character and their relationships at the fire station where the show is filmed.
The “Dawsey” duo, as the couple Dawson and Casey were commonly known among their coworkers, represented a significant element in the series. However, in the show, Dawson left her life in Chicago to contribute to the relief efforts in the Puerto Rico Hurricane.
But in real life, Raymund’s departure had different reasons for saying goodbye to Chicago Fire. After six continuous seasons on the NBC series, Raymund’s contract had ended, prompting her to make decisions that would have important consequences in her personal and professional life.
Gabby Dawson (Monica Raymund) and Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) in NBC’s Chicago Fire
Therefore, she had to decide to leave the series to take on new projects. At that time, the actress made some comments on social media regarding her departure from Chicago Fire, explaining:
“It’s time to move on to the next chapter of life. I knew my six-year contract was coming to an end and I felt hungry to explore a different role, a different story. I wanted to explore a different world.”
“I had been in Chicago for five years and, personally, where I was in my life, I was ready to create my home and plant some roots in Los Angeles.”
“It’s kind of a double-edged sword because, on one hand, it’s wonderful to be employed for so long and have job security, and to be able to delve into a story and flesh it out over that period of time. Having that opportunity is extremely rare and special. […] But sometimes you have to take risks to diversify your opportunities.”
And for Raymund, this was not a decision taken lightly, as she also said at that time:
“It feels surreal. I gave six years of my life to that show and created a family there, so it was a bit like a dismemberment. I miss them terribly. But I have the opportunity to start the next chapter of my life and I’m excited about it.”
However, in an interview conducted last May for a digital magazine, Raymund said when asked about a possible return:
“I don’t know.” I think it’s an open question. But there’s always an open door with Gabby, and I think that’s how it should be.”
After leaving Chicago Fire, Raymund has been seen starring in the original Starz crime drama “Hightown” since May 2020, where she plays federal agent Jackie Quiñones.
