Joe Miñoso Talks Cruz’s Exit From ‘Chicago Fire,’ Storylines That Almost Happened & Plans To Direct

NBC’s Chicago Fire celebrated its 300th episode with the departure of Joe Miñoso, who has portrayed Joe Cruz for over 14 years. In the milestone episode, Cruz undergoes physical therapy for a serious injury sustained last season and welcomes twin girls with his wife, Chloe. After meeting his new daughters and his sons, Cruz is told he may be able to make a full recovery and return to the firehouse. However, after his young son protests him returning to his dangerous job, Cruz decides to retire from firefighting.

The departure follows an emotional sequence involving a conversation with Severide, a squad photo, and a heart-to-heart with his late friend, Otis. Miñoso told TheWrap that the decision to leave the role was driven by the moment his son, who was named after a best friend killed in the line of duty, asked if someone else's father could do the job. Deadline noted that the 300th episode served as Miñoso's final appearance in the drama.

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