"Blue Bloods" Actress Gets The Boot

[Mark Giardina]

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainmen...out-blue-bloods-says-medical/?intcmp=features

If indeed Ms. Esposito had a medical condition and that she alerted CBS executives about it way in advance, then she might have a legal case against the network.

However I noticed that her role in the series had been diminished over the past few weeks which got me thinking maybe she was either offered another role, or that her character was being eased out.

 

[LKellerIII]

I've noticed that Esposito has never appeared in the beginning credits, she's always been listed as a "guest star" - kind of like Chris Noth on The Good Wife. I realize that doesn't mean she didn't have a contract, but nevertheless, it might be indicative that the producers have been leaving their options open.

From what I understand, shooting a TV series demands grueling 17 hour days. If she can only work part-time, I don't see how she could handle the demands of thejob.

 

[Nate Wesley]

I've noticed that Esposito has never appeared in the beginning credits, she's always been listed as a "guest star" - kind of like Chris Noth on The Good Wife. I realize that doesn't mean she didn't have a contract, but nevertheless, it might be indicative that the producers have been leaving their options open.

From what I understand, shooting a TV series demands grueling 17 hour days. If she can only work part-time, I don't see how she could handle the demands of thejob.

She'd been listed as as 'Also Starring' along with Amy Carlson (Donnie Wahlberg's TV wife) and Sami Gayle (Bridget Moynihan's TV daughter)--presumably for recurring characters who aren't going to appear in every episode, I guess. Basically the same existence as you mentioned for Chris Noth/The Good Wife, though.

 

[kenglish]

It says she has Celiac Disease. That's one of those "invisible illnesses" that many people believe doesn't really exist, except "in your head".
It's not something that can be cured, but can be managed by some of it's victims.

I doubt she'll be back.

 

[LKellerIII]

It says she has Celiac Disease. That's one of those "invisible illnesses" that many people believe doesn't really exist, except "in your head".
It's not something that can be cured, but can be managed by some of it's victims.
I doubt she'll be back.

From everything I can gather, Celiac Disease does exist. It's condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The lining of the intestines contains areas called villi, which help absorb nutrients. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products that contain gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging these villi.

This damage affects the ability to absorb nutrients properly. A person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food he or she eats.

The disease can develop at any point in life, from infancy to late adulthood.

 

[Gregg]

I'm a fan of Blue Bloods so I'm disappointed to hear Jennifer Esposito has medical problems and a dispute with the producers. But as mentioned in a previous post, she's never been listed in the opening credits. She works when they need her, not when they don't. In years past, a primetime drama at 10pm would have lots of regular actors, getting listed in the opeing credits. Around 10 actors for ER and LA Law. I counted 14 at one point on Hill Street Blues.

Unfortunately today, that's not the case. I think current TV suffers for it because nearly EVERYTHING that happens has to happen to one of four or five of the regular actors. Hill Street Blues could have maybe 8 or more story lines running at the same time.

But with Blue Bloods, there are only five actors listed in the opening credits with continuing story lines. As mentioned in a previous post, Esposito and Carlson are in nearly every episode, as well as several of the kids. For a while Nick Tuturo was also in most episodes, too, although he's not seen as frequently now. We've never seen Esposito at home or when she's not partnering with Donny Wahlberg.

I remember with Northern Exposure, a couple of female characters, Elaine Miles and Peg Phillips, weren't originally listed in the opening credits. But as the show became successful (meaning more money available) and they were written into most episodes, they eventually were listed in the opening credits. And they got a paycheck even for weeks they may not have had many lines.

That's not the case anymore.

 

[kenglish]

I was being a little bit facetious, because I have some similar "gut" problems, and I have several friends and relatives who do, too.
Too many people just blow-off the idea that anybody can have an "invisible" ailment...sometimes victims feel like they'd be better off with something obvious, that shows readily...like some other handicaps.

What you described is Celiac Sprue, one of the types of celiac disease, which is caused by a gluten allergy...you described it well. There are some others that have unknown causes, and can be even more miserable.
Thanks for helping spread the word.

 

[Silkie]

Long as Tom Selleck doesn't get phased out I'm good to go.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

It is one thing to be lazy or show up for work with a hangover or still have a buzz from being high on drugs. It is quite another matter when a person can not work so many hours a day because of a legitimate illness.

Unfortunately for Jennifer Esposito it is very unlikely she will find future employment in show business now that her medical condition has been made public because a TV network or movie studio will be leery to hire her, especially when it comes to insurance coverage.