‘Chicago Fire’ Star Says Shocking Cast Exits Will Leave ‘Void’ In NBC Drama
Big changes are coming to Chicago Fire.
Two more cast members are leaving the NBC drama in season 15, which premieres October 7. Dermot Mulroney, who plays Chief Dom Pascal, will depart after the first episode. Meanwhile, original cast member Joe Miñoso, who has portrayed Joe Cruz since season 1, will leave sometime later in the season.
Brandon Larracuente says saying goodbye to veteran ‘Chicago Fire’ star was ‘difficult’
Those departures have changed the dynamic on set, Vasquez actor Brandon Larracuente recently told TV Insider.
“[That goodbye] was difficult. I’ve only known Joe for the past one and a half seasons, but when you come into this universe of Chicago, but Chicago Fire specifically, they really embrace you,” he said. (Larracuente joined the show in season 14.) “I felt a part of the cast within weeks, maybe less than that. So, to not have that presence on set every day, there’s going to be a definite void, but I hope that we see more of Joe. I hope that he comes back as an actor at some point. I hope he gets to direct a couple episodes.”
“There is a definite void that I think Joe’s character is going to leave in the firehouse, but not just in his character, like the actor himself, Joe Miñoso. He’s been there since season 1. … He kind of essentially opened up the door for people like myself, especially Latins, to step into this universe,” he continued. “And I think he’s did it gracefully and I think the writers have done a phenomenal job this season kind of giving him a farewell tour or a sendoff. I think they’re doing it the right way.”
Dermot Mulroney said leaving ‘Chicago Fire’ is ‘bittersweet’
Mulroney – who joined Chicago Fire in 2024 – has also spoken about the cast’s close-knit bond and how disappointed he is to leave that behind.
“I loved every minute of it, became friends with this incredible crew of people. Some of them had been there 15 years,” Mulroney said during an appearance at Flashback Weekend in Chicago this summer (via People).
The My Best Friend’s Wedding star also said he was especially grateful for the chance to be part of a show that meant a lot to first responders.
“[I hear] how much these — all three shows — mean to those people, to their families,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many people come up and they’d much rather have an autograph on Scream VI, but they’re Chief Pascal for their dad. It’s an amazing thing to see and that’s how meaningful that is. Which makes it that much more, I won’t say bittersweet. It’s bitter to have to leave that.”
Chicago Fire Season 15 premieres Wednesday, October 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock.
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