Bold, fearless, and always compelling, Monica Raymund has become one of television’s most dynamic multi-hyphenates—first captivating audiences as paramedic turned firefighter Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson on Chicago Fire, and now earning acclaim behind the camera as a director and producer. Whether she’s in front of the lens or calling the shots, Raymund is the definition of range and resilience.
🚨 The Rise of Gabby Dawson: Chicago’s Most Beloved First Responder
Raymund starred as Gabriela Dawson from the pilot of Chicago Fire in 2012, quickly becoming one of the most prominent characters in the One Chicago universe. Starting out as a paramedic, Gabby’s arc saw her training to become a firefighter—breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, saving lives, and earning the respect of Firehouse 51.
Her chemistry with co-star Jesse Spencer (Captain Matthew Casey) created one of the show’s most iconic couples: Dawsey. Fans watched them fall in love, marry, face tragedy, and eventually part ways when Dawson left for Puerto Rico in Season 6.
💬 “I wanted to explore different creative avenues,” Raymund said of her departure in 2018. “But I’ll always carry Gabby with me.”
She briefly returned in Season 8 for a guest appearance, giving closure to fans and proving her lasting connection to the Chicago Fire family.
🎬 Beyond Acting: Raymund’s Next Chapter Behind the Camera
After Chicago Fire, Raymund didn’t slow down—she leveled up. Her directorial debut came shortly after leaving the show, and she has since become one of the most sought-after television directors in Hollywood.
Directing credits include:
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Law & Order: SVU
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FBI and FBI: Most Wanted
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Hightown (also starred as the lead, Jackie Quiñones)
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The Good Fight
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National Treasure: Edge of History
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Grey’s Anatomy
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Found (NBC, 2023–2024)
She’s known for her emotionally grounded storytelling, authentic character work, and championing diverse voices behind the scenes.
🌊 Starring in ‘Hightown’: A Bold New Role
In 2020, Raymund returned to acting in Starz’s Hightown, playing Jackie Quiñones, a hard-partying National Marine Fisheries Service agent who gets pulled into a Cape Cod murder investigation. The gritty drama explored addiction, justice, and personal redemption—and Raymund’s raw performance earned her critical praise.
She led the series across three seasons, solidifying her as more than just a procedural star.
💕 Life Beyond the Screen
Monica Raymund is also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood. She publicly came out as bisexual in 2014, and she often uses her platform to promote representation and equity in the industry.
She married writer Tari Segal, her longtime partner and creative collaborator, in a private ceremony. Raymund keeps her personal life relatively low-key, focusing instead on her art and activism.
🌟 Quick Facts: Monica Raymund
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Birthdate: July 26, 1986
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Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
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Education: Juilliard School (drama graduate)
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Breakout Role: Dana Lodge on The Good Wife
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Known For: Chicago Fire, Hightown, director on SVU, FBI, Grey’s Anatomy
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LGBTQ+ Trailblazer: Openly bisexual and proud activist
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Fun Fact: She was a percussionist in high school before discovering acting
🏆 Awards & Recognition
While she hasn’t (yet) been an Emmy winner, Raymund has:
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Won a Imagen Award for Chicago Fire
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Been named one of Out Magazine’s 100 Most Influential LGBTQ+ People
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Gained praise for opening doors for women of color and queer creatives in television directing
🔮 What’s Next for Monica Raymund?
With multiple directing gigs lined up in 2025 and buzz about returning to lead a Chicago Fire spinoff or limited series in the future, Raymund’s creative fire shows no signs of dying down.
🎬 “I love building stories—whether I’m in them or behind them. It’s all storytelling, and it’s what I live for.”
💬 Final Word
From fighting fires to fighting for change in Hollywood, Monica Raymund is more than an actor—she’s a force. Her fearless commitment to telling powerful, personal stories continues to inspire a new generation of creatives both on and off screen.
