**Dermot Mulroney to Depart ‘Chicago Fire’ as Season 15 Approaches**
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As anticipation builds for the return of the hit drama series ‘Chicago Fire,’ it has been confirmed that actor Dermot Mulroney will be leaving the show shortly into its upcoming 15th season. Mulroney joined the series in 2024, stepping in as Battalion Chief Dom Pascal, but reports indicate that his time in the role will come to an end sooner than expected.
Citing sources familiar with the production, Deadline reported on Mulroney’s departure, although NBC has chosen not to comment on the situation when approached by media outlets. His exit marks another significant change within the cast as the show continues to evolve.
Mulroney, now 62, was brought onto the show to help fill the void left by Eamonn Walker, who had scaled back his role as Chief Wallace Boden after an impressive 12 seasons on the series. His addition was seen as a strategic move to continue developing the rich narrative of Firehouse 51, a pivotal element of the show’s appeal.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Mulroney would temporarily step away from ‘Chicago Fire’ for the latter part of its 14th season. Upon his return in the finale, he reflected on his experience working with the cast, describing his role as akin to a “Christmas gift all year round.” During a panel discussion hosted by PEOPLE, he expressed his appreciation for being part of a cohesive family within the series.
“It’s an incredible group of people, and we know deep into their past, these characters,” Mulroney shared. His admiration for the established cast, many of whom have portrayed their roles for over a decade, was evident. “To see how they drop into their character, it was something I’d never witnessed,” he added, highlighting the seamless camaraderie that has developed over the years.
The show has not only seen changes in its cast dynamics but also in its character arcs. In a surprising announcement made on July 29, it was confirmed that Joe Miñoso, who has played popular firefighter Joe Cruz since the show’s inception in 2012, would also be exiting ‘Chicago Fire.’ However, it is expected that Miñoso will still feature in several episodes during the new season.
Despite these departures, other familiar faces are set to return. Miranda Rae Mayo and Taylor Kinney have both been confirmed to reprise their roles for the 15th season, ensuring that some continuity remains as the series undergoes its transformation.
In addition to his tenure with ‘Chicago Fire,’ Mulroney is currently involved in the production of the second season of the Netflix drama ‘The Hunting Wives,’ where he plays a pivotal role. This dual commitment may be influencing his decision to step back from the NBC series.
Fans of ‘Chicago Fire’ will not have to wait long to catch the latest developments of the beloved show, with season 15 set to premiere on October 7 on NBC. As part of the larger ‘One Chicago’ universe created by Wolf Entertainment, ‘Chicago Fire’ continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storylines and character-driven narratives.
As the series progresses and evolves, viewers will undoubtedly be keen to see how Mulroney’s departure and others impact the dynamics at Firehouse 51, as well as what fresh stories the upcoming season holds in store. The landscape of the show may be changing, but its core ethos of camaraderie and heroism remains as strong as ever.