Why Did Amy Carlson Leave ‘Blue Bloods’? The Real Reason Her Character Got Written Off the Show

Perhaps maybe one of the most heartbreaking stories in Blue Bloods was when Detective Danny Reagan lost his wife, Linda Reagan, played by Amy Carlson, in the season 8 premiere. As the show nears its end in season 14, fans have still wondered to this day why Amy really left the show.

What Happened to Linda in ‘Blue Bloods’?

Amy’s Blue Bloods character, Linda, was an ER nurse. In the season 8 premiere of Blue Bloods, it is revealed that Linda died in a helicopter crash. Viewers did not get to see her death, however, it was discussed in a scene with Danny, played by Donnie Wahlberg, and his therapist.

“Linda’s death wasn’t your fault. She was doing her job [as a nurse]. She died doing what she loved,” the therapist said. “She died in a helicopter crash, airlifting her patient.”

He later visited her grave in the season 8 finale. In season 9, it was revealed that Jose Rojas, played by Danny Trejo, ordered the cartel to murder Linda. “We both want Jose Rojas. He’s responsible for the murder of my wife and of yours,” Luis told Danny in the episode titled “Common Enemies.”

Fans Were Shocked By Linda’s Death

Fans were absolutely devastated by Linda’s death on the show. Amy was moved by the outpouring of love she received from viewers.

“I was surprised, but I’m also just so honored that all these fans connected so much with that character,” she told Deadline in November 2017 of the fan reaction. “It surprised me, but it really touches my heart that they cared so much about Linda and that she meant so much to so many people, I had no idea, I can’t even tell you how many messages a day I get about her and the character. They’re so sweet, they all wish me well in my future projects, they’re all just super supportive fans of mine, and it’s just so lovely.”

Why Did Amy Carlson Leave ‘Blue Bloods’?

Showrunner Kevin Wade revealed that Amy’s contract was up on the show and she decided not to renew it, leading for her character to be killed off.

“We were in a tough position there. I was between a rock and a hard place, because the simple fact of the matter was that the actress decided not to renew her contract,” he said in 2018, per TV Line. “And because [Amy’s decision] happened after we’d wrapped the previous season, we really had very little wiggle room there, but we did the best we could with a tough situation.”

During her interview with Deadline, Amy addressed comments that were made by one of her colleagues who said they were shocked by her exit from the show.

“If someone had said they were surprised and they didn’t know I was leaving I would just respond to them and say it’s standard to have conversations with actors whose contracts are up prior to the season ending,” she explained. “It’s not that you start to shoot and don’t know.”

She also said she was also shocked by the manner in which the producers decided to kill her character off.

“I feel badly that she dies the way she dies,” Amy admitted. “I did not know they would do that, I was surprised. I wouldn’t have done that.”