Vanessa Ray Reflects on Filming the Series Finale of ‘Blue Bloods’: A Farewell to an Iconic Role
As the beloved police procedural Blue Bloods concluded its run after 14 successful seasons, fans across the world bid farewell to a show that had been a staple of primetime television for over a decade. For Vanessa Ray, who portrayed Officer Eddie Janko-Reagan, the series finale marked not only the end of a major chapter in her career but also an emotional farewell to the family she had come to cherish over the years. In a recent interview, Vanessa Ray opened up about filming the final episode of Blue Bloods and what the experience meant to her.
Ray, who joined Blue Bloods in its fourth season, quickly became a fan favorite as the tough yet compassionate Eddie, the rookie cop who later married Jamie Reagan, played by Will Estes. Her character’s journey—ranging from adjusting to the challenges of being a police officer in New York City to navigating the complexities of family and love—was one of the most compelling aspects of the show. Eddie’s relationship with Jamie, in particular, became a central focus of the series, offering fans heartwarming moments and a deep connection with the Reagan family.
The Final Day on Set: A Bittersweet Goodbye
For Ray, the final day on set was an emotional experience. She recalled the last time the cast came together to film the closing moments of Blue Bloods. “It was really surreal,” Ray said. “We’ve been together for so long, and there was a real sense of closure when we filmed that last scene.” She mentioned that there was a mixture of emotions in the air—gratitude for being part of such a long-running show and sadness at saying goodbye to the characters and the people who had become her second family over the years.
Ray described the crew and cast as a family, and in many ways, the Blue Bloods set had become a home for her. “We spent so many years together, and the connections we made, the relationships we built, they all felt so real,” Ray explained. “There were tears, but there was also a lot of laughter, because that’s what we do. We’ve always been there for each other through the ups and downs.”
Saying Goodbye to Eddie Janko-Reagan
As Eddie Janko-Reagan, Vanessa Ray played one of the most beloved characters in Blue Bloods. Eddie’s journey from rookie cop to a dedicated member of the Reagan family was full of heart and growth. One of the standout aspects of Eddie’s arc was her relationship with Jamie, which became central to the show’s emotional core. Ray reflected on how much her character’s relationship with Jamie meant to her.
“I think the most important thing for Eddie throughout the series was her partnership with Jamie,” Ray explained. “It was a beautiful relationship that grew in both their personal and professional lives, and to see them evolve together—especially to see Eddie become a part of the Reagan family—was such a rewarding journey for me as an actor.”
In the final season, Eddie’s character had reached a place of emotional maturity. She was no longer just a rookie trying to find her footing in law enforcement but a fully realized character who had forged her own path, both within the NYPD and in her family life. Ray explained that in the finale, Eddie’s growth was clear as she balanced her role as both a police officer and a loving wife.
“The way Eddie and Jamie supported each other in the finale was very true to their relationship,” Ray said. “They’ve been through so much, and I think that’s what made their bond so strong. It was about loyalty, respect, and understanding—both on and off the job.”
The Reagan Family: A Final Toast
A standout feature of Blue Bloods was the Reagan family dinners, where the entire family came together to share a meal, discuss their day, and reflect on their shared values. These dinner scenes, especially in the final season, were a poignant reminder of the importance of family, even amidst the chaos of their individual careers. For Ray, these scenes were some of the most memorable moments on set.
“The Reagan family dinners were always special to me,” Ray reflected. “It wasn’t just about the work. It was about how much these characters cared about each other. I loved being part of those scenes because they were full of so much love and warmth. It felt like a real family, and it was a privilege to be part of that dynamic.”
In the series finale, the Reagan family came together once more, offering a moment of closure for both the characters and the fans who had followed their journey for so long. Ray shared that while the last dinner scene was emotional, it was also filled with hope. “It was a bittersweet moment, but there was also a feeling of completion. These characters had gone through so much, and the fact that they could sit down together and just be a family was really moving,” Ray said.
Reflecting on Her Time on the Show
Ray’s time on Blue Bloods wasn’t just about playing a character; it was about growing as an actor and becoming part of something larger than herself. She expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to portray Eddie and for the relationships she had built with her co-stars. “This show taught me so much, not just about acting but about how to work as part of a team,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from everyone on set, from Tom Selleck to Will Estes, and I’ll carry those lessons with me forever.”
She also spoke about the strong bond she shared with her on-screen husband, Will Estes, who portrayed Jamie Reagan. Their chemistry was a key part of Eddie and Jamie’s relationship, and Ray described working with Estes as an incredible experience. “Will and I always had this great rapport. We trusted each other, and that made it so much easier to bring Eddie and Jamie’s relationship to life. He’s such a talented actor, and I’ve learned so much from him.”
Looking Ahead: New Beginnings
As Blue Bloods comes to an end, Vanessa Ray is already looking ahead to new opportunities. While she will forever be associated with Eddie Janko-Reagan, Ray is excited about the next steps in her career. “I’m really proud of my time on Blue Bloods, and I’ll always carry that with me,” she said. “But I’m also excited for what’s next. There are so many stories I want to tell and so many different types of characters I want to explore.”
While Ray is stepping away from her iconic role as Eddie, she remains thankful for the love and support from Blue Bloods fans who have followed her and the show throughout the years. “The fan support has been incredible,” Ray said. “They’ve been so loyal and kind, and I feel so grateful to have been a part of this show. It’s not easy to say goodbye, but I know that Eddie will always have a special place in my heart.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love and Loyalty
As Blue Bloods comes to a close, Vanessa Ray’s portrayal of Eddie Janko-Reagan will be remembered as one of the highlights of the series. Her character’s journey was one of growth, love, and dedication, and Ray’s performance brought a depth and authenticity to Eddie that resonated with fans. The series finale, while emotional, was a fitting tribute to the Reagan family and to the characters who had been a part of their world for so long. For Ray, it was the end of a significant chapter, but also the beginning of new opportunities to continue growing as an actor and storyteller.
In many ways, Ray’s time on Blue Bloods symbolized the show’s message of family, loyalty, and enduring love. As she moves on to new projects, fans will continue to remember her as one of the central figures in the world of Blue Bloods—a role she played with heart and dedication for so many years.
