Monica Raymund
A fiercely committed actress who brings grounded intensity and emotional depth to every role, from first responders to complex detectives.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American actress·Birthday: July 26·Millennials
Biography
Monica Raymund didn't just play strong women; she embodied their resilience and vulnerability with a rare authenticity. A Juilliard-trained performer, she first caught attention as a human lie detector on 'Lie to Me,' but it was her turn as firefighter Gabriela Dawson on 'Chicago Fire' that made her a household name. For seven seasons, Raymund anchored the drama with a performance that balanced professional grit with profound personal struggle, making Dawson one of television's most relatable first responders. Never one to be typecast, she then transformed into Jackie Quiñones, a messy, ambitious National Marine Fisheries Service agent battling addiction on 'Hightown,' a role that showcased her range and fearlessness. Beyond acting, Raymund has stepped behind the camera as a director, further shaping narratives with her distinct point of view. Her career is a study in purposeful choices, favoring characters with grit and complicated inner lives.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Monica was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Monica Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Monica's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed firefighter and paramedic Gabriela Dawson for seven seasons on the hit NBC series 'Chicago Fire'.
- Starred as the lead, Jackie Quiñones, in the Starz crime drama 'Hightown' for its entire three-season run.
- Graduated from The Juilliard School's prestigious Drama Division.
- Made her directorial debut with an episode of 'Chicago Fire' in 2018.
Did You Know?
She is a trained dancer and performed with the Miami City Ballet when she was younger.
She won a Prism Award for her performance in 'Hightown' for its accurate depiction of substance use disorder.
Her father is a retired police officer, which she has said gave her insight into playing first responders.
“I'm drawn to characters who fight for their truth, no matter the cost.”
