What happened to Esposito on ‘Blue Bloods’?
BY R.D. HELDENFELS McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Q. Can you tell me why the detective partner
on “Blue Bloods” left?
A. Jennifer Esposito, who played Detective
Jackie Curatola on the CBS drama, has been
dealing with celiac disease, a disorder caused
by eating gluten. According to the Celiac
Disease Foundation, symptoms can include
fatigue, weight loss, cramping and other problems.
With a doctor’s advice, Esposito asked that
her workload on the show be reduced (but not
eliminated). Instead, she said, she was expected
to maintain her previous schedule and collapsed
on the set.
While she was later ready to go back to work,
the show decided to part ways. In a statement,
CBS’ production company said: “Jennifer has
informed us that she is only available to work
on a very limited part-time schedule. As a
result, she’s unable to perform the demands of
her role and we regretfully had to put her character
on a leave of absence.
Fans were outraged and, in a recent Tweet,
Esposito said, “Have celiac and it’s not going
away but not disabled can work.” Still, the
show has moved on, basically writing out
Jackie in the episode that aired on Nov. 9 and
introducing Megan Ketch as a new detective
and foil for Danny (Donnie Wahlberg).
Q. On USA Network, “Suits” has a little ditty
they play at the beginning of the show. Was that
made for the show, or is it part of a song?
A. That’s not a “Suits” original but a tune
called “Greenback Boogie” by the band Ima
Robot.
Send your questions about TV to: The Akron
Beacon Journal, 44 East Exchange St.,
Akron, Ohio, 44309 or by email to:
rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com. Sorry, no
personal replies.
