In a recent turn of events on NBC’s hit series Chicago Fire, Joe Cruz has found himself facing significant challenges

as his past is unearthed and used against him as a form of blackmail. This unexpected plot twist harkens back to a

story arc from season 1 that has now resurfaced, placing Cruz’s career in jeopardy.

While the fictional Joe Cruz faces turmoil, the actor who portrays him, Joe Minoso, is experiencing a more uplifting chapter in his life. Recently, Minoso had a surprise visit from a beloved former cast member, Yuri Sardarov, who played Cruz’s close friend, Otis. Despite Sardarov’s departure from the series in season 8, his connection with Minoso remains strong, underscoring the enduring friendships forged on set.

Minoso shared insights about Sardarov’s visit during the early days of season 13. “I think it was the beginning of the season,” he recounted. “He visited the set and got to see a lot of people, and it brought up a lot of old feelings and just talk about nostalgia, man.” Minoso went on to express his admiration for Sardarov, revealing that their friendship extends far beyond the confines of the show. “He’s the absolute best human. I love him,” Minoso stated. “I will always love him.”

Their camaraderie began in the early days of Chicago Fire, as both actors were the last to be cast for the pilot. “Yuri and I were the last two cast on the show,” Minoso recalled. “Everybody had already been here for a week doing fireman camp stuff, and we came in on the last day of all of that and sort of got a crash course in everything together.” From that point on, the two have been inseparable, sharing a bond that transcends their fictional roles.

Even with Otis no longer part of the narrative, Minoso assures fans that the spirit of their friendship continues to impact Cruz. “There is no Cruz without Otis,” he emphasized, noting that he even named his son Otis as a tribute. The emotional weight of their friendship not only resonates with the characters but also reflects the deep connection between the actors themselves.

While it’s bittersweet to acknowledge that Otis is gone for good within the Chicago Fire storyline, viewers can take comfort in knowing that the friendship between Cruz and Otis lives on through Minoso and Sardarov in real life. Their enduring bond serves as a poignant reminder that the relationships formed on set can last a lifetime, transcending the narrative arcs that bind them.