- Primary Subject: Monica Raymund (Chicago Fire)
- Key Update: Monica Raymund explained she left her role as Gabby Dawson to take risks, diversify her acting career, and pursue directing opportunities.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: June 11, 2026
- Quick Answer: Monica Raymund left Chicago Fire to pursue new creative challenges and diversify her career, leading to directing roles and starring in the series Hightown.
Monica Raymund has finally revealed the reason she left Chicago Fire after six seasons.
She played paramedic Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson, who eventually left Firehouse 51 to manage a rescue unit in Puerto Rico.
So, why did she leave, and would she ever return to Chicago Fire?
Why Did Monica Raymund Leave Chicago Fire?
It may have been almost a decade since Monica Raymund left Chicago Fire, but fans are still reeling from the departure of one of the series’ original cast members.
Although she remains one of the show's most beloved characters, the now-39-year-old actress chose to leave the hit NBC drama despite the job security it provided in order to expand her career and pursue new opportunities as a performer.
"It's kind of a double-edged sword because on the one hand, it's wonderful to be employed for that long and to have job security," she told the Chicago Tribune (via TV Line) about her six-year tenure on the show. "And to be able to delve into a storyline and flesh it out over that amount of time. To get that opportunity is extremely rare and special."
Raymund recognized that having a stable role was a significant advantage for any actor. However, she also believed that stepping outside her comfort zone was necessary for professional growth.
"Job security is always the two favorite words an actor can say!" she continued. "But sometimes you have to take a risk to diversify your opportunities."
That gamble ultimately paid off. Following her departure from Chicago Fire, Raymund went on to star in the Starz crime drama Hightown and expanded her career behind the camera as a director.
She has since directed episodes of FBI, Dexter: Resurrection, and Boston Blue, proving that her decision to leave Chicago Fire opened the door to new creative opportunities and continued success.
Will Monica Raymund Return to Chicago Fire?
While there has been no official announcement that Monica Raymund will return to Chicago Fire, she has made several guest appearances since her departure from the hit NBC drama.
In fact, she returned for an episode in Season 7 and made a notable comeback during the Season 8 midseason finale.
Based on those appearances, it seems that the actress-director is open to reprising her role as Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson whenever the opportunity arises.
With the door still open and Chicago Fire having a history of bringing back former cast members for guest appearances, fans may very well see Raymund return to Firehouse 51 again in the future.
However, it's also worth noting that she has largely moved on to other acting and directing projects, which continue to keep her busy.
So while a full-time return appears unlikely at the moment, fans can still hold out hope for future guest appearances from Raymund as Gabby Dawson.
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