Chicago Fire Exclusive: Dad of St. Pete’s Monica Raymund is proud parent
Source/Author: Melanie Michael, NBC Channel 8
October 14, 2015
After a long summer, the wait is finally over. Fans are thrilled to welcome back a News Channel 8 favorite, and it’s hotter than hot – Chicago Fire is thrilling Bay Area viewers once again.
There’s one character on the wildly popular show that Tampa Bay loves to see each and every week. Monica Raymund (Shorecrest Class of 2004) plays tough-as-nails character, Gabby Dawson.
WFLA had a chance to go behind-the-scenes on location in the Windy City where the show is shot at a working firehouse on the city’s Southside. As she stood in the shadow of the Willis Tower, Monica smiled as she told us, “I’m having a blast!”
In its fourth season, Chicago Fire is loved by millions. And, Monica’s star continues rising and shining as she plays Dawson, who revealed on the season premiere that the feisty firefighter is pregnant. So, what does that mean for her character! Her face bears a huge smile as describes Gabby, “I’m now a real a firefighter, I’m no longer a candidate. So, I’m like one of the boys, so it’s pretty great.”
While she makes magic in Chicago, Monica’s number one fan eagerly watches the hit show at his home in St. Pete Beach. And, he too has a huge grin as he talks about the talented actress. In fact, he’s seen her talent her entire life and knew from the start she’d be a massive success. “I mean, how often do we get to watch our kids go to work every day? Or at least watch the product,” asked [her father] Steve Raymund.
The proud papa admits he is blown away by his daughter’s talented, vast skill-set as an actress, a singer, a writer and hopefully, she admits, a director someday.
The stand-out from St. Pete was meant for stardom. After graduating from Shorecrest Preparatory School, Monica got the call she had been waiting for her entire life, Juilliard in New York City. “I know she was filled with jubilation, I don’t remember what we did that night, but I’m sure that we celebrated,” her father told us as he recalled Monica’s reaction to the much anticipated phone call from The Big Apple.
The adopted Chicagoan is still a Bay Area beach girl at heart who loves to spend time with her high school buddies, relaxing and sitting in the sun when she comes home. And, then there’s her other skill, being a mixologist. She admits to making the “best margarita ever.” Her dad agrees. As a matter fact, the former bartender gave her father a mixology-set as a recent gift.
She added, “It’s always fun to go home to St. Pete and see how everything’s different because that’s not the town I grew up in. It’s way cooler now!”
She added, “It’s always fun to go home to St. Pete and see how everything’s different because that’s not the town I grew up in. It’s way cooler now!”
So, fans have a burning question – Is there any chance that Monica will invite her good friend, heartthrob Taylor Kinney, to visit St. Pete Beach? Her dad laughs and answers, “You know, they’re all pals, really close, they hang out together, they vacation together. It’s like a big family.”
Steve Raymund beams with pride as he talks about Monica. He tells us what he’s proud of most – the way she’s dealt with fame. “She’s so friendly to people who watch the show. She loves meeting fans and always takes time with them, signing things, taking pictures. I’m so proud of her. I’m happy she’s happy.” He added with a grin, “She’s still my daughter. I’m still dad, she’s still Monica.”
Full story with video: http://wfla.com/2015/10/14/chicago-fire-exclusive-dad-of-st-petes-monica-raymund-is-proud-parent/
Related story: http://wfla.com/2015/04/28/chicago-fire-behind-the-scenes/
Full story with video: http://wfla.com/2015/10/14/chicago-fire-exclusive-dad-of-st-petes-monica-raymund-is-proud-parent/
Related story: http://wfla.com/2015/04/28/chicago-fire-behind-the-scenes/
