There’s a new chief in charge of the fire department on NBC’s One Chicago universe. Dermot Mulroney joined the cast of Chicago fire for the 13th season, which premiered on September 25.
The beloved leader of Firehouse 51 for the show’s first twelve seasons received a promotion, making room for Mulroney’s character Dom Pascal to take over. Pascal seems cheerful at first and eager to get in on the action, but his new colleagues are skeptical of his desire to shake things up.
Mulroney, known for his roles in beloved old and new rom-coms, including My best friend’s wedding And Everyone but you spoke to Yahoo Entertainment about his new gig, pop culture’s obsession with firefighters and his advice to former co-star Glen Powell on how to keep fans happy.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What can you tell me about this new character?
Dom Pascal has been working in Miami fire rescue for about 10 years. When he comes to Firehouse 51, he’ll be the town’s new chief. It’s been ten or more years since they had anyone new, so he comes in with an agenda: one thing on his list is not to make friends with anyone. He’s not worried about that. He worries about data points and putting out fires. He’s a pretty no-nonsense guy.
What attracted you to the role?
I’ve never played a firefighter before and I’ve never been on an entire season of a network television drama, so I couldn’t ask for a better way to do it. In real life I’m not much of a ‘quiet-quiet’ type, so I match Pascal in that regard. The writers seem to rely on Pascal being a full physical participant in putting out these fires.
Since your character is “replacing” a character that was so beloved, did you feel any pressure to fit a certain mold for fans?
It’s a challenge to make sure you don’t let anyone down, but most of that is up to the incredible writers who come up with great storylines. We’re building this character as we go – I have no idea what happens in the past [the sixth episode of the season] at this moment. But [Boden, who Pascal replaced] has been around here for a long time, so we don’t just change the oil. This is like getting new tires.
You mentioned that Pascal is involved in putting out fires on the show. Were there any physically challenging scenes that stood out to you?
I train on the job, but I can tell you there is no better place to learn about firefighting. This place is full of professionals and veterans who run the entire fire safety department of the show. I know I’m in the best possible hands. They threw it all at me. All the special effects, stunts and background actors being bloodied and blown out the window: it’s mind-boggling what they do on this pre-lunch TV show.
Many of the most-watched TV shows of the past year are about firefighterslike Chicago Fire, 9-1-1 And Fire country. Why do you think people are drawn to these types of stories?
I know I was drawn to them, and so were all the kids my age watching Emergency! It has always been an important part of television. They plan Chicago fire to keep going, and the way they make up these stories – I know some of them are based on real incidents, but the rest they just make up out of thin air.
No shortage of ideas!
Right! Can I take a moment to tell you what happened to me yesterday? I’m being driven to work by one of these teamsters, and I thought the company was shooting because I saw fire trucks and a crew pulling up. I even witnessed a real incident where a civilian car hit the side of the engine. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The car wreck scenes I’ve been in twice Chicago fire look exactly like this. And let me tell you: they film in Chicago, and all citizens are used to seeing it Chicago fire blow something up in the street. They perform the amazing scenes in public.
I admire the way you emphasize how important the projects you’ve been a part of are to fans – not just network TV, but romantic comedies too. How did you come to the realization?
I really meant it and I’m glad I did [Anyone But You star Glen Powell] has always used that advice. [My realization] came not only from being older, but also from being older. Veteran status and old age are different things! I must have been in a rom-com that meant so much to people [My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)] so long to learn that. I’m giving this to Glen, he did it. He’s a tough guy. He put all his heart and love into that thing, and it will pay off forever.
These One Chicago shows mean so much to people. You don’t just step into a role, you step into a dynasty, right?
Yes! Everyone but you became this phenomenon, but every weekend a fraction of people watch it Chicago fire on a random Wednesday it turned out for that movie. I find it mind-boggling how network television reaches so many people. Long may they reign and ensure that so many people enjoy the same thing on the same night. It is a communal experience with deep, lasting meaning.
