‘Chicago Fire’ loses main cast member after 14 seasons

EntertainmentJoe Miñoso as Joe Cruz in "Chicago Fire."NBCThe NBC procedural “Chicago Fire” is losing an original cast member.Joe Miñoso, who has played Joe Cruz since season 1, is leaving “Chicago Fire,” multiple outlets reported on Wednesday, July 29. Miñoso, 47, is set to appear in a handful of season 15 episodes to wrap up his character’s story line. Season 15 premieres on Oct. 7.Miñoso was a recurring character on season 1 of “Chicago Fire,” which premiered in 2012. He was promoted to the main cast for season 2. Miñoso shared a screenshot of an article about his departure via Instagram, but has not commented on his exit beyond that.With Miñoso leaving, the only original cast members left on “Chicago Fire” are Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide), David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann) and Christian Stolte (Mouch McHolland). Fans took to social media to express their disappointment with Miñoso’s exit.“No way … one of my favorite characters,” one Reddit user wrote.“Wow, that’s disappointing. I really enjoy the character and his storylines,” another person wrote.“Whatever the reason (his doing or the show’s); whatever the exit (sad or happy), I’ll miss him a lot,” a third fan commented.“Chicago Fire” viewers last saw Miñoso’s character learning that his wife Chloe (Kristen Gutoskie) is pregnant with twins during the season 14 finale. His departure comes as “Chicago Fire” adds Da’Vinchi to the cast. He’s set to play Marcus Burke, a firefighter candidate at Firehouse 51. His character is described as “roguish and funny with a wry sense of humor” but “also a little defiant.”READ MORE: ABC sets fall 2026 premiere dates — See when ‘9-1-1,’ ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and more shows returnIt’s unclear whether Dermot Mulroney, who plays Dom Pascal, will appear in season 15. He was written off the show midway through season 14 but returned for the season finale. The first show in the “One Chicago” franchise, “Chicago Fire” follows the firefighters, rescue personnel and paramedics of the Chicago Fire Department and the fictional Firehouse 51.Season 15 of “Chicago Fire” is set to premiere on Oct. 7. Seasons 1-14 are available to stream on Peacock.Reality TV star explains why she didn’t have sex during 4-year marriage‘General Hospital’ shocks fans by recasting popular characterCBS sets fall 2026 premiere dates — See when ‘Tracker,’ ‘Marshals’ and more shows return ‘Law & Order’ replaces main cast member with new actorSara Donnellan is a trending entertainment news writer. She worked as a TV news reporter for NJ.com, covering scripted and reality television and other viral TV moments, answering viewers’ burning questions and...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.