Why did Gabby leave Chicago Fire? Exit reasons explored

Season 13 of Chicago Fire, the thrilling series of the One Chicago franchise, is currently streaming on NBC, having premiered on the platform on September 25, 2024. First premiered on October 10, 2012, the show’s popularity shows no signs of waning.

Chicago Fire depicts the professional and personal lives of firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics of the Chicago Fire Department at the fictional Firehouse 51. One of the most beloved characters in the series is Gabby Dawson, played by Monica Raymund. Gabby, however, exited the series in season 6.

As per NBC, Gabby’s exit was written into the plot when Monica Raymund expressed her desire to leave the project after its sixth season, to explore other career options. However, Raymund appeared briefly as a guest star in seasons 7 and 8 of the show.

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Monica Raymund decided not to renew her contract after Chicago Fire season 6

Raymund told the Chicago Tribune on January 10, 2019, that after playing Paramedic in Charge Gabby Dawson for six seasons, she wanted to explore new territories in her acting career. She said:

“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. I wanted to explore a different world.”

She was grateful to be able to play the character for so long and be so well-received by the fans. However, she also felt that she needed to “diversify” her opportunities. Monica mentioned:

“I had been in Chicago for five years and just personally where I was in my life, I was ready to create my home and kind of plant some roots in Los Angeles.”

Thus, Raymund’s decision to exit the show resulted in Gabby’s departure from Chicago Fire.

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Raymund’s departure was written into the plot

The showmakers gave Gabby’s character a fitting farewell from Firehouse 51 once Raymund’s decision became known. In the season 6 finale, Chief Hatcher (Sam Porretta) approached Gabby with a new opportunity. As part of the new job, Gabby would have to leave Chicago to head a rescue-and-relief unit in Puerto Rico.

Events leading up to the season 6 finale showed that Gabby’s personal life was embroiled in crises. Her pregnancy issue, especially, continued to create tension between her and her husband Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer). While Gabby wanted to try again for another baby, Casey was apprehensive after her miscarriage and the doctor’s warning that a subsequent pregnancy could be risky for Gabby.

Casey wanted to try adoption instead, but Gabby wanted to bear a child. Thus, the couple had grown quite estranged by the time the new job offer came her way. Thus, though initially reluctant, she took up the offer, bringing Gabby’s run in Chicago Fire to an end.

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Gabby is one of the most memorable characters from Chicago Fire

Since season 1, Gabby was portrayed as a competent, sincere, and empathetic worker, who could keep her cool even when situations got difficult. Originally a paramedic, she later trained and became a firefighter as well.

Dawson had several memorable moments in the show. From defying personal dangers to saving several people from a fire in season 6 episode 4, and trying to be a foster mother to Louie in season 4 episode 23 - Gabby embodied the ideals that Firehouse 51 championed.

Following her departure from the cast ahead of season 7, Raymund briefly appeared in Chicago Fire twice. In the season 7 premiere, Gabby was seen in the office, saying her final goodbye to Casey. Also, in season 8, she was shown to be back in Chicago for two days for a fundraiser event.

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Season 13 of Chicago Fire is currently airing on NBC.