Joe Miñoso is set to depart from “Chicago Fire” after dedicating 15 seasons to the show, as confirmed by Variety.
The actor has portrayed firefighter Joe Cruz since the NBC drama’s debut season. He is expected to appear in several episodes of the upcoming 15th season to conclude his character’s storyline.
Since appearing in the pilot episode of “Chicago Fire,” Miñoso has transitioned from a recurring guest star in the first season to a series regular by the second season. He was among the four remaining original cast members, alongside Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, and Christian Stolte.
Miñoso’s departure coincides with “BMF” star Da’Vinchi joining “Chicago Fire” as a new firefighter stationed at Firehouse 51. The upcoming 15th season, launching on Oct. 7, will also see Victor Teran stepping in as the new showrunner, succeeding Andrea Newman after her 14-season tenure.
The Season 14 finale left viewers in suspense as Joe Cruz’s wife faced a pregnancy scare, which was later identified as a minor blood vessel complication. Cruz, having shared his desire for a third son with his colleagues, discovers he and his wife are expecting twins. The season concluded with a tense cliffhanger, as beloved firefighters entered a burning storage facility with limited visibility, leaving their fates uncertain as the roof threatened to collapse.
“Chicago Fire” returns on Oct. 7, positioned between its “One Chicago” sister shows “Chicago Med,” beginning its 12th season, and “Chicago P.D.,” starting its 14th.
Deadline first reported the news.
