The 2010s brought a new wave of music, fashion, and a new police drama to find a place in pop culture. “Blue Bloods” premiered in 2010 and easily became a fan-favorite among viewers. Unfortunately, as the show’s success continued and more seasons and episodes were released, there have been several “Blue Bloods” cast members who have passed away since the show’s debut.
“Blue Bloods” brought a new type of cop show to our screens that was, funnily enough, inspired by a Norman Rockwell painting, per TV Insider. “Norman Rockwell’s iconic Saturday Evening Post illustration of a big family around the Thanksgiving table motivated veteran producer Leonard Goldberg to create (with writers Mitchell Burgess and Robin Green) a different kind of procedural about a clan of cops whose relationships were as key as crime-solving,” the outlet explained. Throughout the seasons, viewers have sat at the edge of their seats as they watch the Reagan family navigate their drama at work and in their family unit. “Blue Bloods” was a hit success, landing “Friday’s No. 1 primetime program and No. 3 broadcast drama,” per Entertainment Weekly.
The show has been on the air for more than a decade and comes to a close with its 14th season in 2024. Many memories have come from the series, but some of them are bittersweet as they are of cast members who have died. These are the beloved “Blue Bloods” actors we have lost since the show’s premiere.
James McCaffrey
James McCaffrey sadly passed away on December 17, 2023. The actor appeared in “Blue Bloods” at the beginning of the series in a 2011 episode and toward its end during a 2022 episode. Unfortunately, in 2023, McCaffrey’s representative confirmed the actor had passed away due to his multiple myeloma cancer diagnosis, per TMZ. “One of Dick Wolf’s proteges (Swift Justice), McCaffrey went on to a successful 35-year career in television and film. Trained at the Actor’s Studio, he never lost his love for creating characters; however, his good looks often pushed him toward leading man roles,” his rep said.
Nick Cordero
Actor Nick Cordero briefly appeared in “Blue Bloods” in a three-episode arc from 2017 to 2018 as Victor Lugo, a nemesis to Donnie Wahlberg’s character Danny Reagan. Besides “Blue Bloods,” Cordero was also known to be a veteran of the Broadway stage, starring in musicals like “Waitress” and “Bronx Tale.” Cordero had an incredible career, but unfortunately, his life was cut short. In July 2020, Cordero contracted COVID-19, and complications arose during his sickness. His wife, Amanda Kloots, revealed the tragic news on social media that he had passed away at age 41 from COVID-19 after spending 95 days in the hospital.
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett was a man of many talents and even starred as himself in a 2011 episode of “Blue Bloods.” Bennett lived a life of many adventures — he acted, he was a musician, and he was loved by many. Fans were devastated to learn the “New York State of Mind” singer had passed away on July 21, 2023. His publicist confirmed to AP News that he died in his home state of New York. Bennett’s team did not reveal the cause of death, but it was known that the 96-year-old musician had suffered from Alzheimer’s in the years leading to his death.
