If you’ve been watching Chicago Fire Season 14, you’ve likely noticed that Annette Davis, the new chief of staff for Mayor Benning, has a face that feels instantly recognizable. Played by veteran actress Annabeth Gish, Annette has quickly made her mark on the series — both in City Hall and among fans who can’t quite place where they’ve seen her before.
Annette’s Role in Chicago Fire
Annette Davis was introduced as a sharp, politically savvy figure with an interest in helping Firehouse 51 navigate bureaucratic roadblocks. In “Broken Things,” she stepped up when Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) faced chaos during a patient transport in a gridlocked city street.
After witnessing the crew’s quick thinking, Annette used her position to help clear red tape at City Hall — and even sparked romantic tension with Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). Their flirtation quickly developed when Dom, still reeling from his wife’s death, accepted Annette’s offer to grab a drink.
But beyond her new storyline, fans are asking: why does Annette Davis seem so familiar?
Annabeth Gish’s Iconic Career
The answer lies in Annabeth Gish’s decades-long career in film and television. With nearly 40 years of credits to her name, she’s appeared in some of the most beloved projects across multiple generations.
Here’s where you’ve probably seen her before:
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🎬 Mystic Pizza (1988): Gish starred alongside Julia Roberts as Kat Arujo, a brainy waitress navigating love and ambition in a small-town pizzeria.
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🎞️ Shag (1989): She played Pudge, one of four friends coming of age on a wild weekend trip in South Carolina.
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🕵️ The X-Files (2001–2002): Fans of the sci-fi classic will remember her as Agent Monica Reyes, the skeptical FBI agent who partnered with Doggett after Mulder’s departure.
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🏛️ The West Wing (1999–2006): Gish portrayed Elizabeth Bartlet Westin, the eldest daughter of President Josiah Bartlet, adding warmth and insight to the acclaimed political drama.
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🔥 Sons of Anarchy (2014): She took on a grittier role as Sheriff Althea Jarry in the show’s final season.
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🩸 Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017): Gish appeared as Dr. Anne Sullivan, the therapist who tried to help the Liars uncover “A.” She later reprised the role in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.
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👻 The Haunting of Hill House (2018): Gish joined Mike Flanagan’s horror masterpiece as Mrs. Dudley, the devout caretaker of the eerie mansion.
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⛪ Midnight Mass (2021): She reunited with Flanagan to play Sarah Gunning, a doctor grappling with faith and science in a remote island community.
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🧙♀️ Mayfair Witches (2023): Continuing her supernatural streak, she portrayed Deirdre Mayfair in AMC’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s gothic saga.
Most recently, she also appeared in the Paramount+ series Special Ops: Lioness as Denise Westfield.
A Familiar Face with Endless Range
Whether she’s tackling political intrigue, psychological horror, or emotional drama, Annabeth Gish brings intelligence and gravitas to every role — making her a perfect fit for Chicago Fire’s sharp, strategic Annette Davis.
With her character now entwined with City Hall and a potential romance with Dom Pascal, fans can expect plenty more of her signature blend of sophistication and mystery in the episodes ahead.
