- The Blue Bloods cast has mostly been the same since season 1
- Actress Jennifer Esposito used to star as "Jackie Curatola"
- This is why "Jackie" disappeared in Blue Bloods season 3
Blue Bloods has been on the air since 2010, and fans are used to seeing their favourite stars play the "Reagans."
From season 1 to today, the police series has featured the talents of Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, and more.
But the show did face a notable exit from the cast early on. That was actress Jennifer Esposito, who starred as the detective "Jackie Curatola."
Why "Jackie" actress Jennifer Esposito left Blue Bloods
In Blue Bloods seasons 1 to 3, Esposito acted in over 40 episodes as the partner of "Danny Reagan." But "Jackie" would appear for a final time early in season 3.
So, why did Jennifer Esposito leave Blue Bloods? It turns out there was a messy behind-the-scenes dispute between the actress and the network.
Esposito, who has celiac disease, had actually collapsed on the set, and took a medical leave afterward. She planned to return soon as "Jackie," but...
CBS refused to adjust the show's schedule to her health needs, which would've required part-time availability.
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Esposito also alleged that the network implied she was "not truly ill" and instead plotting "to get a raise." Yikes!
Ultimately, Esposito was suspended from Blue Bloods and "Jackie Curatola" was written out of the show in season 3.
The two sides parted ways for good: Jennifer Esposito was never seen on Blue Bloods again. At the time, the actress said how she was treated "makes her sick."
