‘Chicago Fire’ Cuts Cruz Actor Joe Minoso, Weeks After Original Cast Member LaRoyce Hawkins Leaves ‘Chicago P.D.’
More changes are coming to the One Chicago shows, and fans are up in arms.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Joe Miñoso would be leaving Chicago Fire. He has played firefighter Joe Cruz on the NBC first responder drama since it premiered in 2012.
Miñoso will leave the show in the upcoming 15th season, which will air this fall. He’ll appear in a “handful” of upcoming episodes to wrap up his storyline, according to Deadline.
So far, Miñoso has not commented directly on on his exit. But he did share a screenshot of Deadline’s story about his departure on his Instagram, as well as some comments from fans on his Instagram Story.
Cruz is a fixture at Firehouse 51, and viewers are understandably disappointed to see him go.
“This can’t be real. You’re one of my favorite characters,” one person wrote.
Multiple people expressed fear that writers would chose to kill off Miñoso’s character.
“Absolutely devastated to hear,” one wrote. “And I agree with every single comment here please for the love of God do not kill Joe and let him and Chloe and the kids have a peaceful departure.” (In the season 14 finale, Cruz and his wife learned they were expecting twins.)
Several disappointed fans referenced another major change at the Dick Wolf dramas. Earlier in July, it was announced that original Chicago P.D. cast member LaRoyce Hawkis, who plays Officer Kevin Atwater, would be leaving that show in the upcoming season 16.
“First Atwater then Cruz. Cmon yall,” one person commented.
New seasons of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med premiere October 7 on NBC. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock.
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