Before Chicago Fire, Dermot Mulroney Had a Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Role on Friends
The actor’s three-episode arc as Gavin Mitchell is a far cry from Chief Dom Pascal—and he almost came back for more.
Fans of Chicago Fire know Dermot Mulroney as the commanding and emotionally complex Chief Dom Pascal, but long before he was running Firehouse 51, the veteran actor made a brief, surprising appearance on one of television’s most iconic sitcoms: Friends.
That’s right—Mulroney, best known for his film roles in My Best Friend’s Wedding and The Wedding Date, once traded in his rom-com charm for a short-lived office romance with Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green. And for many, it’s a role that slipped under the radar—until recently.
Mulroney’s Friends Cameo: Short But Memorable
In Season 9 of Friends,Mulroney played Gavin Mitchell, Rachel’s sharp-dressed, spiky-haired colleague at Polo Ralph Lauren. He appeared in just three episodes, starting with “The One Where Rachel Goes Back to Work,” as Rachel returned from maternity leave and found her replacement was not just capable—but competitive.
What started as professional tension between Rachel and Gavin quickly evolved into flirtation, culminating in a memorable kiss on her birthday. The chemistry was undeniable, but in true Friends fashion, things were complicated. Rachel’s lingering feelings for Ross put an end to the potential relationship before it could really take off.
Mulroney’s time on the show was brief, but it left an impression. Reflecting on the role in a 2020 interview, the actor admitted he had “completely forgotten” about Gavin until Friends found a second life on Netflix. “I was being stopped on the street as Gavin, and it took me a minute to remember who that was,” he laughed. “I was only there for three episodes.”
He Could Have Been in More Episodes—But Turned Them Down
What many fans don’t know is that Mulroney was offered more time in the Friends universe. According to the actor, producers had plans to extend Gavin’s arc by three additional episodes. Mulroney turned down the opportunity—something he now jokingly refers to as a “bad judgment call.”
“There were scheduling issues, but I’ve since learned that those just get worked out,” he admitted. “Turns out people wanted to see more Gavin. I didn’t know. I underestimated the power of that show, even when it was a top show when I did it.”
His short-lived stint may have faded into the background for some, but for Friends fans doing a rewatch, it’s always a fun surprise to spot a future Chicago Fire chief kissing Rachel Green on a balcony.
From Central Perk to Firehouse 51
These days, Mulroney is a long way from the sleek suits and swanky Manhattan offices of Friends. On Chicago Fire, he plays Chief Dom Pascal, a complex and emotionally burdened leader who’s been thrown into the hot seat following Wallace Boden’s departure.
Since joining the cast in Season 13, Pascal has gone from confident commander to a man spiraling under pressure. Between personal tragedy and mounting professional tension, he’s quickly become one of the most talked-about characters in the current season.
Despite being a newcomer, Mulroney says joining Chicago Fire has felt like a homecoming. “It’s amazing. First of all, it’s nice to have a steady job for once,” he said with a laugh. “Thank you, NBC, for that. What took so long?”
He’s also reconnected with familiar faces—both old and new. “I’m running into people I worked with years ago. Even their kids,” he revealed. “Marissa, who does my hair on set, is the daughter of the set painter from My Best Friend’s Wedding. It’s wild.”
A Career That’s Come Full Circle
At 61, Dermot Mulroney is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s making audiences swoon in romantic comedies, stirring up drama as a firehouse chief, or sharing throwback stories about his time on one of TV’s biggest sitcoms, he remains a versatile and enduring figure in the industry.
His role on Friends may have only lasted a few episodes, but in hindsight, it’s just another fascinating chapter in a career filled with unexpected turns—and a reminder that even small roles can leave a lasting impact.
