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Joe Miñoso is leaving “Chicago Fire” after 15 seasons, a source confirms to Variety.
The actor has played firefighter Joe Cruz on the NBC drama series since Season 1. He will appear in a handful of episodes in the show’s
upcoming 15th season to wrap up his character arc.
Miñoso appeared in the pilot of “Chicago Fire” and recurred in the first season as a guest star before he was promoted to series regular in Season 2. He was one of four original “Chicago Fire” cast members remaining on the long-running drama, alongside Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg and Christian Stolte.
Miñoso’s exit comes as “BMF” star Da’Vinchi joins “Chicago Fire” as a new firefighter at Firehouse 51. Season 15, which premieres on Oct. 7, also welcomes a new showrunner, Victor Teran, who replaces Andrea Newman after 14 seasons.
In the Season 14 finale, Joe Cruz’s wife is rushed to the hospital for a pregnancy complication, which turns out to be just a small blood vessel issue. Joe, who had previously told his Firehouse 51 colleagues that he wanted a third baby boy, finds out he and his wife are expecting twins. The season ends on a cliffhanger, as several fan-favorite firefighters rush into a burning storage facility with no visibility. As the roof threatens to collapse, it’s unclear if all of the characters will make it out of the building safely.
“Chicago Fire” returns on Oct. 7, sandwiched between its “One Chicago” sibling shows “Chicago Med” (starting Season 12) and “Chicago P.D.” (Season 14).
Deadline broke the news.
