According to the Hollywood Reporter, former “General Hospital” star Marisa Ramirez (ex-Gia Campbell; ex-Carmen Mesta, “The Young and the Restless”) has been upped to series regular on CBS’ “Blue Bloods” beginning with the primetime shows fourth season premiering in the fall. Ramirez, who joined the show as a recurring guest-star starting with the Friday, March 8 episode entitled “Protest Too Much,” portrays Detective Maria Baez, the former and now full-time partner of Donnie Wahlberg‘s Detective Danny Raegan. The actress is replacing Jennifer Esposito, who portrayed Wahlberg’s onscreen partner, Jackie Curatola, on the drama series until November of last year.
“It all still feels a bit surreal,” Ramirez told THR in an exclusive interview. “From the first day, everyone was so welcoming. Working with Donnie and the cast and crew of Blue Bloods can spoil a girl. Total pros, each and every one, and all so supportive. I just enjoyed every minute. Truly, I never dreamed I would be coming back as a regular. To say I am grateful is an understatement.”
In addition to her gig on “Blue Bloods” this past season, Ramirez also recurred on “Body of Proof.” She portrayed Officer Riley Dunn on the now cancelled ABC series. In 2011, Ramirez starred in “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” and “Against the Wall.”
“Blue Bloods” also stars Tom Selleck (Magnum, P.I.), Bridget Moynahan (“Six Degrees”), Will Estes (“American Dreams”), Len Cariou (“Damages”), Amy Carlson (“Another World”) and Sami Gayle (ex-Hayden Lawson, “As The World Turns”).