Joe Minoso – Chicago Fire

By starrymag | October 30, 2019

By: Kemberlie Spivey

 

 

Q) Cruz and Otis have always had a funny, respectful and brotherhood type of relationship. How do you feel not working with Yuri Sardarov everyday now? 

 

A) The saddest thing about all of this is that I don’t get to see Yuri every day anymore. He is without a doubt one of the reasons that I got up in the morning and made it through 14-hour days for the last seven years. But even though there is no longer an Otis for Cruz, there will always be a Yuri in Joe’s life.

 

Q) What was your reaction when you read the script about Otis’s death? 

 

A) Well, we had already known for a couple of months before we saw the initial script that Yuri was no longer going to be on the show. But what they wrote! What a remarkable episode. I really thought that they paid great respect to the character and honored his work over the last seven years with a really beautiful goodbye. I was truly honored to be the designated mourner on this particular episode.

 

Q) What did Cruz and Otis’ friendship means to you?

 

A) I really enjoyed the opportunity to show brotherhood with my partner in crime. Being a firefighter is so much about that fraternal life. And I believe that Cruz and Otis embodied that perfectly. Whether it be in their moments of complete support or their moments of utter stupidity, they were always brothers no matter what. I think a lot of that is what being a firefighter is all about and it was an honor to show that alongside Yuri.

 

Q) With Otis being such a huge part of Cruz’s life since being a firefighter, how will Cruz adjust not having him around anymore?

 

A) I think you’re going to be seeing a more laser focused, job-oriented Cruz. Also, there’s going to be quite a bit of growth in his relationship with Chloe (Kristen Gutoskie). After the blow of losing his best friend and his roommate moving to Indiana, the only tangible relationship he really has to hold onto is Chloe. Cruz is going to do everything you can to make that relationship last.

 

Q) Cruz and Chloe have been dating since last season. Are we going to see more of Cruz and Chloe’s romantic side this season? Will Cruz walk down the aisle anytime soon?

 

A) Definitely! Like I just mentioned, Cruz is eager to maintain the last great close relationship he has left right now. Things have been going so well with Chloe that it only seems logical that they would go down the marriage route. It’s just a matter of whether or not Chloe can see herself marrying a firefighter in the end.

 

Q) In episode 2 of this season we saw Chloe asking for advice on how to help Cruz through this difficult time. Will we get more scenes on how this plays out into their relationship? 

 

A) I think that’s going to happen with all of our characters. Losing Otis is going to be something that reverberates throughout the house and we’re going to get to see how it affects everyone. But, specifically for Cruz in Chloé, I think yes, you’re going to see how the loss of a brother can affect a fire fighter and in turn how it affects those relationships with people outside the firehouse.

 

Q) The crossover event was incredible. What was it like for you filming this season’s big event?

 

A) I want to say that I feel this was our most integrated crossover ever. We really put on a three-hour movie. And I think the ratings reflect just how much our audience loves it when we get together. I’m sure they’ll be plenty more in the future.

 

Q) What has been your favorite moment working on “Chicago Fire?”

 

A) It’s impossible to pin down just one moment. This has been the experience of my life. I met my wife on the show. I bought my first home because of the show. The best people I’ve ever worked with are on this show. It truly has been a life-changing experience. So, as a whole, being a part of this one Chicago universe has been my favorite part.

 

Q) Are there any projects you can share with fans you are excited about? 

 

A) Yes! You can actually catch me on “Get Shorty” this coming season, which is on the EPIX network. It’s a very different from role and I think it’ll be a lot of fun to watch.  It is great show overall! Also, I will be directing a movie this summer starring Christian Stolte called The Last Hurrah, which we are super excited to get out to the world.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of the work you do?

 

A) Thank you, thank you, thank you! One million times thank you. You guys coming back to us week after week is the reason that we all still have jobs. I will forever be grateful for the fact that you decided our show is worthy enough to be around this long. We really hope we get to do it for you for years to come.