‘Chicago Fire’ Star Joe Miñoso to Leave Series After 15 Seasons

Joe Miñoso is stepping away from Chicago Fire after 15 seasons on the hit NBC drama. The actor, who portrayed firefighter Joe Cruz since the show began, will appear in a limited number of episodes during the upcoming 15th season to provide a conclusion for his character arc.

Miñoso first joined the cast during the pilot episode and eventually earned a spot as a series regular starting in Season 2. His departure marks the end of an era for the series as he was one of the few remaining original cast members. He leaves alongside fellow veterans Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, and Christian Stolte.

The timing of this transition aligns with other changes at Firehouse 51. The show is introducing new cast member Da’Vinchi, who will join the team as a firefighter in the new season. Additionally, Victor Teran is taking over as showrunner following the departure of Andrea Newman.

Fans are left with major questions after the Season 14 cliffhanger. Firefighters were seen entering a burning storage facility with limited visibility and a collapsing roof, leaving the status of several characters uncertain. Viewers can see how these storylines conclude when the series returns to NBC on October 7.