Jennifer Esposito , 51 , Shows Off More Than She Wanted To
“Fresh Kills” marks Jennifer Esposito’s directorial debut; she is well recognized for her roles in “The Godfather” and “The Sopranos,” two iconic Hollywood series. By narrating the story from a female protagonist’s perspective, Esposito departs from the stereotypical male-dominated mafia narrative.
“Fresh Kills,” which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and is currently playing at the Annapolis Film Festival, follows the story of Joe Larusso’s (Esposito) wife, Francine. Focusing on Francine’s connection with her two kids, Connie and Rose, the film delves into the lives, aspirations, and obstacles faced by women in a mafia-controlled society set in Staten Island during the late 80s and 90s.
In her film, Esposito seeks to highlight the often-overlooked stories of women involved in the mafia, questioning traditional depictions and amplifying their voices.
Jennifer Esposito, known for her roles in Hollywood classics like “The Godfather” and “The Sopranos,” takes on a new challenge with her directorial debut, “Fresh Kills.” Breaking away from traditional mafia narratives dominated by male perspectives, Esposito presents a story told entirely from the female point of view.
Two very familiar faces will resurface in the Blue Bloods season finale — and TVLine has all the details and first-look photos.
TVLine can exclusively report that original cast member Jennifer Esposito will return in the Season 13 finale, airing Friday, May 19, as Jackie Curatola, Danny’s old partner.
Esposito was a mainstay on the family drama/procedural for its first two seasons, then exited early in Season 3 (last appearing in the Nov 9, 2012 episode). Since then, Esposito has had roles on Mistresses, NCIS, The Boys, SVU and Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens.
Sami Gayle will also put in an appearance in the season finale, as Erin’s daughter, Nicky Reagan-Boyle. Gayle was a steady presence during the show’s first 10 seasons, but has only recurred since then, last appearing Dec. 8, 2020
Jennifer Esposito as Detective Jackie Curatola
What brings back Jackie after so long an absence?
TVLine hears that after another person is murdered with all the earmarks of serial killer Dr. Leonard Walker (who was played in a February episode by Mather Zickel), Danny and Baez find themselves teaming up with Jackie — now a Chief of Police, an eagle-eyed TVLine reader notes! — to find out who is behind the slayings.
Elsewhere in the hour, Eddie and Jamie’s investigation into a repeat offender leads them to learn that Erin recently prosecuted him for a harassment charge, and Frank once again goes up against Mayor Chase (returning guest star Dylan Walsh) after he announces that he’s empowering the NYPD to take EDP and homeless people off the street, with help from Archbishop Kearns (Stacy Keach).
Jennifer Esposito only played Donnie Wahlberg’s partner on the CBS cop drama Blue Bloods for two years, from 2010 to 2012. But to this day, fans are still begging for her character, Detective Jackie Curatola, to return to the show.
Jennifer left Blue Bloods suddenly in 2012 after she collapsed on set due to complications from Celiac disease, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
CBS announced Jennifer’s departure in a statement to Deadline at the time, saying, “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.”
Why did Jennifer really leave “Blue Bloods”?
After CBS’s announcement, Jennifer wrote a series of tweets accusing the network of “absolutely shameful behavior.”
“CBS knows PUT me on unpaid leave an has blocked me from working anywhere else after my doc said u needed a reduced schedule due to celiac …CBS didn’t listen to my doc and I collapsed on set. Which everyone saw!” Jennifer wrote, according to Entertainment Weekly. “After a week off my doc said I could return to work but CBS … Implied that I was NOT truly ill and this was a scheme to get a raise! It’s been almost two months without brining me back to work + keeping… Me from working anywhere else! So no that article is not telling you the truth. Absolutely shameful behavior … If you feel this is unjust use your voice. That’s all we have sometimes … I love you all for the support need to rest now the whole situation brakes my heart
