Monica Raymund’s portrayal of Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson on Chicago Fire made her one of the show’s most beloved characters. Gabby, a dedicated paramedic-turned-firefighter, was also the wife of Captain Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer). However, at the end of Season 6, Raymund’s character decided to leave Chicago to provide aid in Puerto Rico. While fans initially thought this move would be temporary, the start of Season 7 confirmed that Gabby had made the decision to stay in Puerto Rico permanently, leading to the end of her relationship with Casey—a heart-wrenching moment for “Dawsey” fans.
Raymund’s decision to leave the show came after her six-year contract ended. She expressed her desire to pursue new projects and establish herself in Los Angeles after living in Chicago for five years. In a 2018 interview with the Chicago Tribune, she explained that it was simply time for a change.
Will Gabby Dawson Return to Chicago Fire?
Even though Monica Raymund departed as a series regular, she made a few guest appearances in Seasons 7 and 8. There were even plans for her to return in the Season 9 finale, but COVID-19 restrictions made it impossible. As for future appearances, Raymund has left the door open. In an interview with Deadline, she shared her fondness for the show’s executive producer, Derek Haas, stating, “I never close the door on Gabriela Dawson. The door is always open. I never say no to an opportunity to tell stories.”
Raymund’s New Chapter in Television: Hightown
After her exit from Chicago Fire, Raymund quickly landed a leading role in a new Starz crime drama, Hightown. In the series, she plays Jackie Quiñones, a National Marine Fisheries Service agent who discovers a dead body on a beach and finds herself embroiled in a complex drug trafficking case amidst the opioid epidemic in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Unlike many traditional crime drama protagonists, Raymund’s character offers a fresh perspective as a queer Latin woman. In an interview with NBC News, Raymund shared her excitement about the role, saying, “Having a queer woman of color taking on the mantle of a role that’s usually played by a white, cis man is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a distinct lens through which we’re watching this story unfold, making it inherently unique.”
Raymund’s Foray into Directing
In addition to her acting career, Monica Raymund has embraced directing. While filming Hightown, she stepped behind the camera, showcasing her passion for storytelling from a different perspective. Raymund also participated in NBC’s Female Forward program, which supports women in television directing. Through this initiative, she gained experience directing on the set of Law & Order: SVU. Her transition into directing marks an exciting new chapter in her career, highlighting her versatility and creativity.
Advocacy and Activism
Outside of her professional work, Monica Raymund is an outspoken advocate for important social causes. She has used her platform to encourage fans to vote and has been vocal about her support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Raymund’s dedication to activism demonstrates her commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the screen.
