Summary

  • Alberto Rosende, who plays Blake Gallo on Chicago Fire, has announced his departure from the hit drama series.
  • Rosende expressed his gratitude for the special people he's met and friendships he's made during his time on the show.
  • Although he doesn't provide a specific reason for leaving, cast departures on long-running procedural dramas like Chicago Fire can be financially motivated or due to actors wanting to explore other projects.

Chicago Fire star Alberto Rosende discusses his upcoming departure from the series. The long-running NBC procedural has seen several shifts in its cast over the past few weeks, with Taylor Kinney returning to the show as Kelly Severide and Kara Killmer exiting her role as Sylvie Brett. Rosende, who plays Blake Gallo, has been the latest cast member to announce that he's parting ways with the hit drama.

In an Instagram Story, Rosende spoke about his decision to leave Chicago Fire season 12.

Alberto Rosende Instagram story screengrab
Alberto Rosende Instagram story screengrab

Rosende, who has portrayed Gallo since season 4, will make his last appearance in the season 12 premiere episode. In the Instagram Story, included above, Rosende writes: “When I decided to end my time with Chicago [Fire], it wasn’t easy. The people I’ve met were truly special, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime and [the] story I got to tell was one that made me proud. Can’t wait to see what else is in store and I wish everyone the best in shooting the rest of the season!

Why Is Alberto Rosende Leaving Chicago Fire?

Blake Gallo kneeling down and smiling in Chicago Fire

In the reporting around Rosende's exit, the decision was described as fully amicable. The actor's statement reinforces that reporting, giving a positive sense of Rosende's departure. Although a specific reason is not mentioned, cast departures on long-running procedural dramas tend to be financially motivated and connected to budget cuts. At other times, it's because the performer wants to try other projects. In any case, Rosende does not get into specifics about his Chicago Fire exit.

The actor has appeared in 79 episodes of the series so far, beginning with the second installment of season 8. Starting as a recurring character before joining the main cast, Rosende crossed over with fellow One Chicago dramas Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med for one episode each. He's also known for portraying Simon Miller on Shadowhunters, a Freeform series that ran for three seasons.

Related
Chicago Fire Season 12 Cast Exit Spoils 1 Couple's Endgame

One series regular is exiting Chicago Fire in season 12, which premieres in 2024. The actor’s exit may spoil one season 11 cliffhanger, though.

The changes in Chicago Fire, and the larger One Chicago franchise, come as co-creator and showrunner Derek Haas is likewise departing his role. Haas will be focusing on other projects, with fellow showrunner and executive producer Andrea Newman taking over responsibilities for the upcoming episodes. It'll be an adjustment period for audiences, with the loss of the once reckless firefighter candidate Blake Gallo.

Chicago Fire season 12 premieres Wednesday, January 17 on NBC.

Source: Alberto Rosende / Instagram

  • Chicago Fire Movie Poster
    Chicago Fire
    Cast:
    Taylor Kinney, Jesse Spencer
    Release Date:
    2021-10-10
    Seasons:
    11
    Genres:
    Drama
    Story By:
    michael brandt
    Writers:
    Michael Brandt
    Network:
    NBC
    Streaming Service(s):
    Peacock
    Directors:
    Michael Brandt
    Showrunner:
    Michael Brandt