Chicago Fire is losing another key cast member. Joe Miñoso, who plays Joe Cruz, is leaving the show. He's been part of the hit show since its pilot episode back in 2012. Don't worry, though, Miñoso is still expected to appear in a couple of episodes for season 15. The new season is set to premiere on October 7.
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Miñoso's exit comes at a time when countless characters' futures are at risk. Season 14 ended on a cliffhanger. They had answered a call for a huge structure fire. The crew was scattered throughout the building when they were instructed to evacuate. However, the last thing we saw was the building being engulfed in an explosion.
None of us know who made it out of the building in time, and of course, who didn't.
"Throughout the 14 seasons, Miñoso has made Cruz a fan-favorite character. From his secret side hustle teaching Zumba, to inventing the Slamigan, to marrying Chloe (Kristen Gutoskie), a woman he rescued, and expanding their family," PEOPLE wrote of Miñoso's character work on the show.
Currently, there's very little information about what happens to Miñoso's character. Nor and how his eventual departure from the show is going to play out.
Joe Miñoso Has Developed a New Respect for Firefighters
When speaking with PEOPLE in 2022, Miñoso admitted that his role in Chicago Fire had led to a newfound respect for firefighters.
"I think one of the great things that our show portrays is how much of a family this group is," he said. "And I think that's something we learned from watching these guys, these men and women, support each other through some really horrific stuff. They really rely on each other, they don't take this stuff home, and they don't want to put that on their families. So they've got each other. And I think that's an incredible thing."
Firefighters have one of the most dangerous jobs you can do. They're constantly putting their lives on the line to keep us safe. The fact that Chicago Fire is helping shed light on those risks and the commitment necessary is certainly an added bonus of the show.
Still, we can all agree that Miñoso will be missed, whatever happens to Joe Cruz.
