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Alberto Rosende Had an Intense Role on Law & Order: SVU Before Chicago Fire
The actor played a much different role before his big break as Gallo on Chicago Fire.
The Law & Order franchise is known for giving up-and-coming actors work before they've hit their big break. Exhibit A: You may recognize this familiar face on a 2016 episode of SVU before he landed a major role in another hit Dick Wolf show.
In Season 17, Episode 10 of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, detectives are on the hunt for a high school teacher who was taking advantage of students. The teacher had an affair with one high school senior named Jordan Messina, who is played by Alberto Rosende. Three years later, Rosende went on to join the cast of Chicago Fire as scrappy firefighter Blake Gallo.
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Why Alberto Rosende left Chicago Fire
Gallo left Chicago Fire during the Season 12 premiere to move to Michigan after he learned about the existence of his extended family. After news of his departure broke, Rosende opened up about his decision to leave on Instagram.
"When I decided to end my time with Chicago, it wasn't easy," he wrote, according to Deadline. "The people I've met were truly special, the friendships I've made will last a lifetime, and the story I got to tell was one that made me proud."
He continued, "Can't wait to see what else is in store, and I wish everyone the best in shooting the rest of the season."
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Meanwhile, in a January interview with TVLine, showrunner Andrea Newman explained the creative choices behind having characters such as Gallo exit the show.
“Honestly, longevity is really just part of it," she said. "[In] storytelling and in terms of real life, 12 years is a long time and things need to change, just dynamic-wise. You want new characters and you want new dynamics. Actor-wise, 12 years is a long [time]. Nobody expects in TV [that] they’re going to be anywhere for 12 years, I can say that for sure, from all sides."
Watch Chicago Fire Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC and next day on Peacock.
