‘Chicago Fire’ Shocker: Joe Miñoso Is Exiting in Season 15 — Find Out When
What To Know
- Joe Miñoso, who has played Joe Cruz since the start of Chicago Fire, will exit during Season 15.
- Find out everything that has been revealed about how and when he’ll be written out.
Oh, this one is going to hurt: Chicago Fire is losing one of the cast who has been there since the beginning in the upcoming 15th season, set to premiere on Wednesday, October 7.
Joe Miñoso, who has starred as Joe Cruz, now part of Squad, since the first episode — he recurred in Season 1 and became a series regular the following year — will be exiting Chicago Fire after “a handful of episodes,” according to Deadline. That could very well be in the show’s 300th episode.
The good news is that since he’s returning for more than one episode to be written out onscreen, it means that he won’t be dying in the resolution of the Season 14 finale cliffhanger, which saw Cruz and most of the rest of Firehouse 51 trapped in a fire. After the finale revealed that Cruz and Chloe’s (Kristen Lee Gutoskie) family is growing, with her having twins, it felt like that could very well put him on the chopping block, should someone die.
Peter Gordon/NBC
Miranda Rae Mayo, whose Lieutenant Stella Kidd also was in a precarious position at the end of the finale, warned TV Insider, “Nobody’s safe.”
But perhaps whatever does happen in the Season 15 premiere leads to Cruz realizing that he needs to take a step back from 51 because he doesn’t want to risk leaving his children without a father — maybe he could get into arson and follow in his lieutenant Kelly Severide’s (Taylor Kinney) footsteps but make it his full-time job — but he sticks around to be with his fellow firefighters in the aftermath of losing one of their own. Or he has a close call in the premiere that leads to him realizing the same.
However he is written out, it feels like since he’s returning for “a handful of episodes” that Cruz won’t be killed off, and considering all the tragedy that has already befallen 51 and could still at the beginning of Chicago Fire Season 15, that’s a good thing.
How do you think Chicago Fire will be writing out Cruz? Let us know your theories in the comments section below.
Chicago Fire, Season 15 Premiere, Wednesday, October 7, 9/8c, NBC
Join the 51 Family
Get absolutely everything about Chicago Fire in your inbox!
Conversation12 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
-
M
Just because Cruz doesn't die in the series premiere doesn't mean he doesn't die. He could be in a coma and later die. I hope not because he's one of my absolute favorite characters. I'm so sad that he's leaving. It's definitely not going to be the same without Cruz.
-
P
Noooo! He is such a great character.
-
G
This is terrible news. Joe was always a favorite. I hope he is leaving on his terms and not the famous Budget Cuts!!
You could always save a ton of money and get rid of Stella. I’m tired of it always her in the middle of everything
-
M
They could get rid of some of the new characters they keep bringing too. They bring in all these new ones and get rid of the ones we love. Like Boden, Sylvia and Brian so many seasons ago.
-
C
I’m Totally with you on that! She’s the one who needs to go!
-
-
V
First Otis and now Cruise! What are you doing? Trying to lose viewers.I understand if it is his idea to leave because that’s not the fault of the writers or people in charge but if you are just taking him off like you did Otis then very disappointing!!
-
C
Nooooo! He's my favorite.
-
G
I definitely think the same way about how he is written out. The close call will have him reconsider his career I believe along with his wife Chloe who always hated his job. The thought of Chloe raising 4 kids alone will add further pressure on him to want to be around to see them grow up. I too hope that it was his decision and not a budget cut. It will be interesting to see how Severide takes losing his top squad guy. He’s a great actor and I will miss him greatly. That just leaves 3 cast member who are OG’s.
-
L
I just read an article about what past Chicago fire former actors/ actresses are doing currently. It was enlightening to read.
I hope Joe Cruz's character was his choice and not another BUDGET cut because he's a most respected actor on tbe SERIES.
-
L
I have been fond of Cruz character.
Since they're expecting twins on the series makes it interesting why are they writing him out.
We watched them take in their adopted son,have one f their own and now TWINS. I'll have to arrange my schedule to see those episodes. I will truly miss him all these years like Casey and Brett.
-
C
WTH is going on with the Chicago shows? First it’s LaRoyce on PD & now Joe on Fire! They are my 2 Most Favorites! I am heartbroken over this! I sure don’t know why you are doing that as I know it’s going to break a lot more hearts as well! As much as I love All the Chicago series, I’m sure your ratings are going to drop by a mile taking these 2 Wonderful actors off!
On a good note, I hope I see you in Dundee one of these times, Joe! It’s good to know you’ll still be in Chicagoland!❤️
-
V
Stella has never been a favorite of mine. Just too stiff. Never felt like she was able to be included in things.
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services