The Missing Reagans: Cast Members Who Left The Show and Where They Are Now
For fourteen seasons, has been anchored by the steadfast presence of the Reagan family, a multi-generational clan of police officers and lawyers bound by duty and their weekly Sunday dinner. However, over its long run, the show has experienced several significant cast departures, both temporary and permanent, that dramatically reshaped the narrative. Some left due to creative decisions, some for personal reasons, and others for opportunities in new projects.
These exits, often involving core characters close to the main Reagan family, profoundly impacted the emotional dynamics of the show, most notably for Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) and Commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck). As the series nears its final conclusion, fans often look back at the characters who stepped away from the dinner table. Here’s a look at the major cast members who left the show and what they’ve been up to since.
The Partners: Danny Reagan’s Changing Dynamics
No main character has seen their professional life affected by cast departures quite like Detective Danny Reagan. His partners and his wife have all left, leaving a significant void in his personal and professional world.
Jennifer Esposito (Jackie Curatola)
Detective Jackie Curatola was Danny’s sharp, dry-witted partner from the pilot until Season 3. Their chemistry was electric, providing a perfect professional foil to Danny’s volatile nature. Jennifer Esposito abruptly left the series in 2012 due to a disagreement over her reduced schedule following a diagnosis of Celiac disease. The character was written off as having taken a leave of absence for personal reasons.
Where She Is Now: Esposito’s career remained robust after leaving . She took on prominent roles in several major television shows, including:
- (2014)
- (2016-2017), where she played Special Agent Alexandra Quinn.
- (2019), playing CIA agent Susan Raynor.
- She also appeared in the film Blindspot and has dedicated time to raising awareness about Celiac disease, launching a health and wellness platform.
Esposito returned for a guest appearance in the final episodes of Season 13, confirming that Jackie had become a Chief of Police in another county, providing a satisfying, albeit brief, reunion with Danny.
Marisa Ramirez (Maria Baez’s Predecessors)
Before Detective Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez) solidified her place as Danny’s long-running partner, the show cycled through a few temporary detectives, most notably Detective Kate Lansing, played by Megan Ketch, and Detective Candice McElroy, played by Megan Boone.
Where They Are Now:
- Megan Ketch: Left after a short arc as Detective Lansing to star in the ABC drama (2013). She has since appeared on shows like and .
- Megan Boone: Boone’s run as Detective McElroy was also brief. She famously went on to secure the lead female role of Elizabeth Keen in the hit NBC series (2013-2021).
The Reagan Family: Wives and Grandchildren
The most emotionally impactful departures involved members of the Reagan family, forever changing the seating arrangement at the Sunday dinner table.
Amy Carlson (Linda Reagan)
Linda Reagan, Danny’s wife and the mother of their children, was a beloved character who provided a crucial link to the civilian world as an emergency room nurse. Amy Carlson’s exit in 2017 was one of the most shocking and controversial departures in the show’s history. The character’s death, revealed off-screen as the result of a helicopter crash during a medical transport run, was a major source of criticism from fans who felt it was an undignified end for a core character. Carlson reportedly chose not to renew her contract, seeking new opportunities.
Where She Is Now: Carlson’s career pivoted to focus on feature films and other television projects:
- She appeared in the film A Bread Factory (2018).
- She took on roles in TV series such as (2019) and the true-crime drama .
- Her work has also extended to the independent film circuit, showcasing her desire to explore diverse acting roles outside of the constraints of a long-running procedural.
Linda’s death became a defining emotional arc for Danny, who spent several seasons grappling with grief and the challenge of raising his sons as a single father.
Sami Gayle (Nicky Reagan-Boyle)
Nicky Reagan-Boyle, the daughter of Erin Reagan and the only female grandchild of Frank, provided a voice of idealism and youth at the family dinners. Sami Gayle was a series regular for ten seasons before her role significantly diminished. The character was written out as having moved to San Francisco to pursue a prestigious job opportunity. Gayle’s reduced role was largely due to her pursuit of a college education at Columbia University.
Where She Is Now: While focusing on her education, Gayle continued to take on acting projects:
- She starred in the Netflix film Candy Jar (2018).
- She continues to act while balancing her academic pursuits and often returns for guest appearances on for major family events, proving that the door remains open for the character.
Frank Reagan’s Confidantes: The Internal Affairs Dynamic
Frank Reagan’s office is a revolving door of deputies and confidantes, a reflection of the political complexities of the Commissioner’s role.
David Ramsey (Carter Poole)
Mayor Carter Poole served as a major political counterpoint to Commissioner Frank Reagan throughout his tenure. The character’s arc, which included surviving a near-fatal shooting, highlighted the danger faced by New York’s leaders. David Ramsey eventually left the role to focus on his commitments to the Arrowverse on The CW.
Where He Is Now: Ramsey is best known for his long-running role as John Diggle/Spartan across several DC Comics television series, including , , and $Superman & Lois$. He has also directed multiple episodes within the Arrowverse and other shows, solidifying his career both in front of and behind the camera.
The Legacy of Departure
The actors who leave a successful, long-running show like do so under intense scrutiny, but their departures often signal exciting pivots in their careers. Whether they moved on to lead their own series, pursue film careers, or dedicate time to education and advocacy, the legacy of their time as part of the Reagan family remains indelible.
For the show itself, each exit served as a powerful catalyst for change. Linda’s death propelled Danny into a new emotional landscape, while the turnover of partners allowed the core cast to deepen their individual character arcs. As the remaining Reagan family prepares to take their final bows, the memory of those who left the table early remains a crucial, emotional part of the narrative tapestry.
