"NYPD Blue" alum Esai Morales has been tapped to guest-star in a recurring role in "Chicago Fire" Season 5. He is back on the beat and is heading to the Windy City.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Morales will make his debut as the new Chief Lugo in the three-show crossover between "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D.," and the upcoming spinoff, "Chicago Justice." His character is a 30-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) who grew up and flourished in the old style policing methods of the department. Now, he is doing his best as a chief to steer the CPD toward the new style of policing.
In addition to Morales, "The West Wing" actor Bradley Whitford will also guest star in the three-way crossover "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D.," and "Chicago Justice," TV Guide reported. He will play Albert Forest, who is a manipulative and zealous defense attorney and could not be bothered about the truth.
However, Morales' character Chief Lugo will first appear in "Chicago Fire" Season 5 and will also recur on future episodes of "Chicago P.D." in addition to the crossover. Joining him as the latest new face to come to District 21 are former "Revenge" star Nick Wechsler, who is currently recurring, and "Quantico" grad Li Jun Li, who had a multi-episode arc earlier this season. Recent departures include Samuel Hunt and Jon Seda, who is now seen on "Justice."
Morales played Lt. Tony Rodriguez on "NYPD Blue." His other credits include "Criminal Minds," "Magic City," "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series," "24," "Caprica," and the upcoming Netflix Jason Bateman-Laura Linney series "Ozark." He is represented by APA, Link Entertainment, and Espada PR.
The #OneChicago crossover will include back-to-back-to-back episodes of "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D.," and the premiere of "Chicago Justice" on March 1, Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. on NBC. It is unlike the previous multi-show crossovers between Dick Wolf's various dramas.
Watch the video about #OneChicagoDay red carpet recap for "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D.," "Chicago Med," and "Chicago Justice":
