While many actors from the main cast of Chicago Fire have left the show, Monica Raymund's Gabriel 'Gabby' Dawson's exit remains quite memorable among fans.
She was introduced in Season 1 and left the show in Season 6 after her character was offered a job transfer to Puerto Rico.
Dawson was introduced as a first responder, a paramedic in charge of Ambulance 61 at Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire. She became a paramedic and firefighter, thereby becoming important to the smooth functioning of Firehouse 51. This character also owned the local pub Molly's, where everyone would gather for drinks after work.
Dawson was facing a personal crisis after her miscarriage and tensions in her marital life with Matt in Season 6.
Although her chemistry with Matt was evident since season 1, he was in a relationship with Hallie Thomas then. While Gabby's crush on him was evident, the two finally acknowledged their feelings after Matt broke up with Hallie.
They remained in an on-off relationship throughout Chicago Fire and finally married in Season 5. However, their romance was cut short when Dawson decided to call it quits after Season 6.
More about Gabby's character and her exit from Chicago Fire in our story.
What happened to Gabby in Chicago Fire? How was her character written off from the show?
Gabby faced difficulties in pregnancy, which finally led to a miscarriage in Season 5. While she wanted to try for another baby, her doctor advised against it because of all the risks involved.
Her husband Matt wanted to adopt a child, which further distanced them in their marriage. After a tumultuous relationship, troubles refused to leave the couple alone even after their marriage.
Gabby is shown to be on the cusp of a broken marriage and personal crisis when she is offered an exciting new job by Chief Hatcher. This opportunity would make her the lead of a rescue team in Puerto Rico. However, this would mean that she would have to move away from Chicago and, in turn, from the show.
Since Raymund's exit from the show was planned, Gabby takes the new job and heads to Puerto Rico. The couple finally divorces on the show.
Why did Monica Raymund leave Chicago Fire?
Monica Raymund's exit from Chicago Fire was disheartening for her fans as they bid an emotional goodbye to her character Gabby in Season 6.
In a 2018 interview with the Chicago Tribune, the actress opened up about this bold career decision. According to Raymund, her contract for the show was up, and this felt like the right time for her to explore new work opportunities.
“I’m not sure the exact moment when it happened, but I knew that my six-year contract was coming to an end and I felt like I was hungry to explore a different role, a different story,”
She further added,
''...Job security is always the two favorite words an actor can say! But sometimes you have to take a risk to diversify your opportunities.”
The actress felt honoured to portray a first responder on screen and would hold Gabby dear to her heart,
"I loved being able to play a first responder.''
She further added,
"So that was the greatest part about playing Gabby, that I got to get to know the paramedics, I got to know the firefighters in Chicago, and hopefully to the best of my ability, represent them honorably."
Chicago Fire returned for Season 13 on September 25, 2024.
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