Joe Miñoso Had a Completely Different Look in Chicago Fire Season 1 — See the Throwback Pic!
By Christopher Rosa
It’s hard to imagine Chicago Fire without Joe Miñoso’s Joe Cruz, the big-hearted firefighter who’s been part of Firehouse 51 since the show’s very beginning. Over the past 14 seasons, Cruz has become one of the most beloved and dependable characters in the One Chicago universe — the loyal friend, devoted husband, and steady presence amid the chaos of rescues and explosions.
But longtime fans might have forgotten that Cruz didn’t always look like the bald, mustachioed hero we know today. In fact, back in Season 1, Joe Miñoso sported a very different look — complete with a bit of hair on top!
Joe Miñoso’s Season 1 Look Might Surprise You
During the show’s early days, Cruz hadn’t yet settled into his now-iconic style. In a still from Chicago Fire Season 1, Episode 5 (“Hanging On”), Miñoso appears with short-cropped hair rather than the clean-shaven head fans recognize today.
Over the course of the season, however, he ditched the hair and fully embraced the bald look — a move that’s since become part of Cruz’s signature appearance. Thankfully, the mustache survived, and it remains one of the most recognizable features in the entire One Chicago lineup.
Cruz: From Comic Relief to Emotional Core
From the Flaco Rodriguez storyline to his emotional fatherhood arc, Cruz has evolved more than almost any other character on the show. He’s the rare blend of humor, heart, and heroism — a firefighter who can make you laugh one moment and break your heart the next.
Reflecting on his long run with Chicago Fire, Miñoso told Screen Rant earlier this year that it’s been “a full experience” as an actor.
“I think I have the best role in the One Chicago universe,” he said. “I get to do the comedy stuff, I get to do the action, I get to do the drama. The character has evolved and grown in so many ways — both hopeful and unexpected.”
What’s Next for Cruz?
After 13 years on the show, Miñoso says his hopes for Cruz are simple: stability and happiness.
“At this point, I just want his security,” he said. “I want him to be safe, and I want him to feel like he’s been a successful father. What else could you want for a life?”
Whether Cruz one day becomes a chief or stays right where he is at 51, Miñoso insists he’s just grateful to still be part of the Chicago Fire family.
“I love being on the show. I love working with these people, and I hope to be here as long as I can.”
A Legacy That Keeps Burning Bright
Thirteen seasons later, Joe Cruz has truly become the heart of Firehouse 51 — the guy everyone counts on, both on-screen and off. And while his hair may have disappeared early on, his warmth, humor, and loyalty have never faded.
Because in Chicago Fire, hairstyles may change — but heroes like Joe Cruz are forever.