Dermot Mulroney is leaving NBC's Chicago Fire after two seasons, with his character set to wrap up in the upcoming Season 15.
Why it matters: Mulroney's departure marks a transition for the long-running series, which has seen multiple cast changes over the years. His role as Chief Dom Pascal has resonated deeply with fans and first responders alike.
Mulroney joined Chicago Fire in Season 13 after Eamonn Walker's exit, taking on the role of Battalion Chief Dom Pascal.
His character's emotional storyline, particularly involving his wife's tragic death, provided a challenging arc that he embraced fully.
Season 15 is set to premiere on October 7 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, and Mulroney will appear in only one episode before his character is written off.
His exit comes shortly after the announcement that original cast member Joe Miñoso is also leaving the show.
Driving the news: The news of Mulroney's exit was first reported on July 31, and he confirmed it during an appearance at the Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention on August 1-2.
During the convention, Mulroney expressed his gratitude for the experience, stating, "I loved every minute of it. Became friends with this incredible crew of people."
He noted that some crew members have been with the show for 15 years, highlighting the strong community within the production.
Mulroney filmed his final episode on July 28, confirming that the storyline will conclude his character's arc.
State of play: Mulroney's tenure on Chicago Fire included notable challenges, with the actor recalling the emotional weight of his character's storylines.
In Season 13, his character faced the death of his wife, a plot point that remained impactful throughout his time on the show.
"It starts to feel really heavy," Mulroney explained, comparing the experience to filming a movie where the emotional stakes linger longer.
He had 10 episodes in Season 14, returning for the finale after a hiatus, which allowed him to explore the depth of his character.
The big picture: Mulroney's exit comes at a time when Chicago Fire is undergoing several changes, including a new showrunner.
Victor Teran is taking over from Andrea Newman as the showrunner, indicating a shift in creative direction for the series.
Fans are left speculating about how the show will handle the departures of both Mulroney and Miñoso, who played firefighter Joe Cruz since the show's inception.
As the series moves forward, the impact of Mulroney's character on the narrative and its connection to first responders remains a focal point.
What they're saying: Mulroney shared his reflections on the significance of his role during the Flashback Weekend panel.
"I can’t tell you how many people come up, and they’d much rather have an autograph on Scream VI, but they’re Chief Pascal for their dad," he remarked, emphasizing the character's connection to audiences.
He described the experience as meaningful, adding, "It’s an amazing thing to see, and that’s how meaningful that is. Which makes it that much more, I won’t say bittersweet; it’s bitter to have to leave that."
Mulroney praised the show's writers for crafting an "incredible storyline" that presented him with high challenges as an actor.
By the numbers: The upcoming Season 15 is set to continue the show's legacy, following a successful run since its debut.
2024: Mulroney joined Chicago Fire as Chief Dom Pascal.
2026: He announced his departure ahead of the Season 15 premiere.
October 7: Season 15 premieres on NBC at 9 p.m. ET.
10: The number of episodes Mulroney appeared in during Season 14.
Between the lines: The emotional toll of Mulroney's character arc reflects broader themes in Chicago Fire, which often addresses the realities faced by first responders.
His character's tragic backstory resonated with viewers, particularly those connected to emergency services.
The show has consistently highlighted the importance of community and support among first responders and their families.
As Mulroney departs, the show faces the challenge of maintaining its emotional core without his character.
What's next: As fans prepare for the new season, questions linger about how the series will evolve post-Mulroney.