Blue Bloods characters who left the show unexpectedly
Blue Bloods is a CBS staple. The show has been on the air for thirteen seasons, and it has already been renewed for a fourteenth in 2024. Of course, any show that is on the air for nearly a decade and a half is bound to have some cast turnover. People come and go, and oftentimes they go in an unexpected manner.
That is what this list is all about. It’s one thing to set up an exit for a character ahead of time, but it’s another thing altogether to have then suddenly die, or unexpectedly decide to leave New York for greener pastures. Here are some of the characters whose exits took us most by surprise.
Why did Jackie Curatola leave Blue Bloods?
Jackie Curatola was integral to the success of Blue Bloods. The character, played by Jennifer Esposito, was a perfect foil for Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg), and their chemistry added immensely to the show’s case-of-the-week format. Then the character retired. She left the department in season 3, citing burnout, and the show just forged ahead without her.
There’s been some controversy surrounding the decision, with CBS citing Esposito’s limited work schedule as the cause, and Esposito citing her Celiac disease as the reason she was suddenly let go. Either way, the character of Jackie Curatola returned in season 14, providing a nice semblance of closure for fans. Her departure was definitely sudden, but at least we got to find out what happened afterwards.
Why did Linda Reagan leave Blue Bloods?
Linda Reagan was a crucial supporting player during the first seven seasons of the show. Her importance actually grew over time, as evidenced by the fact that the actor who played her, Amy Carlson, became a main cast member in season 5. This trajectory was what made the character’s death so shocking.
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Linda died in a helicopter crash between the end of season 7 and the beginning of season 8, which meant it happened off-screen. We were simply told about it during the season 8 premiere, which was not only shocking but frustrated fans who felt like she deserved better. Carlson felt much the same way.
The actor told Deadline that she was surprised when she found out her character was killed off, and admitted that she “wouldn’t have done that.” The very thing that makes it frustrating is the thing that made it unexpected.
Why did Anthony Renzulli leave Blue Bloods?
Anthony Renzulli was another prominent character during the first handful of Blue Bloods seasons. He made 39 appearances on the show, but he disappeared suddenly after season 6, which left some fans scratching their heads. Renzulli didn’t get killed or transferred, he simply stopped appearing in the background.
The reason for this is still unclear. There were some rumors that the actor who plays Renzulli, Nicholas Turturro, was difficult to work with, but he has been vocal about his desire to return to the show at some point down the line. Only time will tell whether we see him make a return to the precinct before the show wraps up.
dark. Next. Will Sami Gayle return as Nicky Reagan-Boyle?
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