The spring premiere of Chicago Fire thrust Joe Cruz into one of the most challenging situations of his life. Season 13, Episode 9, titled “A Favor,” saw Cruz forced into a robbery to keep a haunting secret from the show’s first season buried. The heist went catastrophically wrong, leaving Junior Polanco dead and Cruz wounded. For fans, the burning question remains: Will Cruz finally face the consequences of leaving Flaco to die all those years ago, or will he find a way to move forward?
In an interview with CBR, actor Joe Minoso shared his thoughts on the return of Cruz’s Season 1 storyline, how it’s shaped the character, and how Cruz—and Minoso himself—have evolved over the years.
Revisiting Cruz’s Origins
The Flaco storyline, which dates back to the very first season of Chicago Fire, is deeply tied to Cruz’s character. Reflecting on the decision to revisit such an old arc, Minoso praised the writers’ bravery.
“It was a long time ago, and it’s really brave on behalf of the writers to revisit a storyline that we did so long ago,” Minoso said. “I was super excited about it. This was sort of Cruz’s origin story—when I really knew who the guy was. So it’s always been key in my mind.”
Minoso vividly recalled filming the pivotal scene where Cruz left Flaco to die in a fire, describing the intensity on set and the emotions tied to those early days. “I was such a baby actor at that point… For them to trust me was such a big thing. It just really stuck,” he shared.
How Cruz Has Evolved
Over 13 seasons, Cruz has grown from a supporting character to a central figure with rich storylines. Minoso noted parallels between his own life and Cruz’s evolution, both on and off-screen.
“We have sort of parallel trajectories,” Minoso explained. “I got married on the show a couple of years after I actually got married [in real life]. My wife is a former Chicago Fire makeup artist. Like Cruz, I have so many more responsibilities now, compared to when I was just a broke actor working at bars to survive.”
Cruz’s life has expanded in meaningful ways. Now a father and an adoptive father, he’s matured into a more noble and determined figure, striving to be a role model for his family. As he edges closer to becoming a lieutenant, his character represents growth and redemption, even while grappling with past demons.
As for Minoso, playing Cruz has been a dream. “I’ve gotten to play so many different facets of this character—romantic, funny, dramatic. Some actors get stuck in one lane, but I’ve gotten to explore it all,” he said.
The Return of Leon and the Upcoming Crossover
Cruz’s brother, Leon (played by Jeff Lima), has been a crucial part of his storyline from the beginning. Minoso teased that fans will see Leon again in Season 13, with their relationship taking an interesting turn. “Leon has leaned on Cruz for so long, and we might see that dynamic shift this time around,” he hinted.
Adding to the excitement, Chicago Fire is gearing up for a highly anticipated crossover event with Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. The three-hour storyline, the first crossover since 2019, will feature a massive gas explosion that puts lives at risk across the city. Minoso described the production as exhilarating chaos.
“It’s insane, pulling off a three-hour movie in the middle of a TV season,” Minoso said. “It reminded me of the early days when we worked 14-hour days all the time. It’s always a blast—it’s like going to your crazy cousin’s house and playing with their toys.”
Reflecting on the longevity of Chicago Fire, Minoso expressed gratitude. “You’re lucky when you get one year of anything. Thirteen seasons? I feel like I’m on borrowed time.”
