Over the course of ten seasons, CBS’ “Blue Bloods” has seen a revolving door of familiar faces come and go, from “Sopranos” star Steve Schirripa becoming a regular cast member in Season 6 to guest stars like Kevin Dillon and Michael Imperioli portraying arcs on a handful of episodes.
Jennifer Esposito, a familiar face who was a regular cast member early in the series, is still a fan favorite.
From 2010 to 2012, Esposito portrayed Detective Jackie Curatola, Danny Reagan’s (Donnie Wahlberg) partner on the drama. Curatola was able to stand up to Reagan’s sometimes aggressive demeanor and call him out when necessary. She was a strong presence on the show, but she left due to a medical emergency and subsequent disagreements with CBS about her departure (via Country Living). Wahlberg, on the other hand, has confirmed what many fans likely already knew about the relationship behind the two fictional partners’ on-screen chemistry.
Each partner brings ‘Something Different,’ according to Donnie Wahlberg.
Jennifer Esposito made “boring lines hysterical” and “throwaway lines authentic,” according to Donnie Wahlberg (via CBS). The actor and musician went on to describe the actor as a “great partner” as well as “a great actor and friend.”
“The beauty of having had these different partners is that they each bring something different to react to,” Wahlberg said of the “Blue Bloods” cast changes. Wahlberg’s Reagan is currently paired with Maria Baez, played by Marisa Ramirez, who has proven to be a worthy successor to Esposito’s strong-willed Curatola. “When Marisa appeared, I knew she would be a lifelong friend.” “Marisa came in, and she was just a solid person and actor, a solid partner on and off camera,” Wahlberg said of Ramirez, who has appeared in nearly 200 episodes of “Blue Bloods” compared to Esposito’s 46.
Despite her public disagreements with the producers of “Blue Bloods,” Esposito has nothing but praise for Wahlberg. “We had so much fun,” she told People after she left. She referred to Wahlberg as “one of the best people [she’s] ever worked with.”
Esposito’s character took a leave of absence after showing signs of stress, so a return to the series is always possible. Meanwhile, Esposito has kept herself busy since her controversial departure in 2012, appearing in multiple episodes of shows such as “The Boys” and “Law and Order: Special Vict1ms Unit.”
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