“It’s amazing what they do before lunch on this TV show”

In the NBC series “One Chicago,” there is a new chief leading the fire department Universe. Dermot Mulroney joined the cast of Chicago fire for season 13, which premiered on September 25th.

The popular leader of Firehouse 51 for the show's first 12 seasons was promoted, making room for Mulroney's character Dom Pascal. On the surface, Pascal seems happy and eager to join in, but his new colleagues are skeptical of his desire to shake things up.

Mulroney, known for his roles in popular romantic comedies old and new, 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 make 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 fire rescue in Miami for about 10 years. When he joins Fire Department 51, he is the city's new boss. It's been a decade or more since they've met anyone new, so he comes with an agenda: One thing on his list is not to become friends with anyone. He's not worried about that. He worries about data points and putting out fires. He's a pretty straightforward guy.

Why were you drawn to the role?

I've never played a firefighter before and never been in a full season of a TV drama series, so I couldn't ask for a better way to do it. In real life, I'm not the type to sit still, so I agree with Pascal on that one. The authors seem to assume that Pascal is fully physically involved in putting out these fires.

With your character “replacing” such a beloved character, did you feel pressure to mold it a certain way for fans?

It's a challenge to make sure you don't let anyone down, but most of that is due to the incredible writers who come up with amazing storylines. We build this character over time – I have no idea what happens after (the sixth episode of the season) at the moment. But (soil that Pascal replaced) has been here a long time, so we don't just change the oil. It's like getting new tires.

You mentioned that Pascal is involved in fighting fires in the series. Were there any physically challenging scenes that particularly stood out to you?

I train part-time, but I can tell you there is no better place to learn about firefighting. This place is full of professionals and veterans who lead the entire fire department on the show. I know that I am in the best hands. They threw everything at me. All the special effects, stunts and background actors being thrown out the window covered in blood – it's amazing what they do before lunch on this TV show.

Many of last year's most-watched television shows are about firefightersHow Chicago Fire, 9-1-1 And Tierra del Fuego. Why do you think people are drawn to these types of stories?

I know I was drawn to them, and so were any kids my age who were watching Emergency! It has always been a staple of television. They intend Chicago fire going on and on and on, and the way they make up these stories – I know some of them are based on true events, but the rest are just making them up out of thin air.

There is no shortage of ideas!

Right! Can I take a moment and 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 engines and a stopped crew. In fact, I witnessed a real incident where a civilian car was side-slammed into the engine. I couldn't believe my eyes. The car crash scenes I was in twice Chicago fire look exactly like that. And let me tell you that they film in Chicago and all the citizens are used to it Chicago fire Blow something up in the street. They give amazing scenes in public.

I admire the way you emphasize how important the projects you've worked on are to fans – not just on network television, but also in romantic comedies. How did you come to this realization?

I really meant it and I'm glad that (Everyone but you Star Glen Powell) has followed this advice time and time again. (My realization) came not just from being older, but also from doing it longer. Veteran status and age are different things! I must have been in a romantic comedy that meant so much to people (My best friend's wedding (1997)) took me so long to learn. I give this to Glen – he did it. He's a tough guy. He put all his heart and love into this and it will pay off forever.

These One Chicago shows mean so much to people. You're not just stepping into a role, you're stepping into a dynasty, right?

Yes! Everyone but you However, this phenomenon was only seen by a fraction of people each weekend Chicago fire came out on a random Wednesday for this film. It's amazing to me how network television reaches so many people. Long may they reign and ensure that so many people enjoy the same thing on the same evening. It is a communal experience that has deep, lasting meaning.