The One Blue Bloods Guest Star Who Stole the Show and Became Regular
Blue Bloods is first and foremost about the Reagan family. However, the police procedural is far more than just about one clan. The show has expanded into a universe beloved by its cult, loyal following. As a result, several side characters have also delivered memorable appearances on Blue Bloods.
In the world of law enforcement, people are either allies and assist in the investigation or those with the intention of getting in the way of it. Captain Paula McNichols may not fit the typical profile of a "bad guy," yet her brief appearance on Blue Bloods has resulted in a full-time role on the show.
What's more, her part is becoming increasingly more pronounced now that she's been assigned to rule over the station that includes her archnemesis, Eddie Janko (Vanessa Ray).
Interestingly enough, the actress who portrays Captain McNichols in Blue Bloods, Stephanie Kurtzuba, was originally only delegated to a couple of episodes. However, her performance was so incredible that showrunner Kevin Wade was adamant that CBS needed to bring her back for a permanent role.
Kurtzuba recently discussed her time on Blue Bloods with MovieJunk in which she had several insightful comments. The 50-year-old, who also has appearances in The Wolf of Wall Street and The Irishman, admitted that working with Tom Selleck and company has been a blessing.
The actress, who also has a recurring role in The Good Wife and Tulsa King, has valued working on TV production more so than other projects.
And, it appears the respect is mutual. Showrunner Kevin Wade was reportedly so impressed with Kurtzuba after McNichols made a couple of limited appearances in seasons 10 and 12 that he demanded the network retain her for more episodes. Fortunately, Kurtzuba was grateful for the opportunity and had the flexibility to make room for a more lasting impression in the recent, season 13.
Now, fans of Blue Bloods get to savor more of the no-nonsense boss who despises the Reagans with a passion.
The good news is this established yet another quality antagonist in a long-running production that is now bordering on 300 episodes, indicating it has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Kurtzuba revealed that she's even approached by Blue Bloods diehards on the street and complimented for being a royal thorn in the side of Officer Janko-Reagan.
"I was really lucky [to] have been invited [back]," Kurtzuba relayed regarding her return in season 13. The actress added that the decision was a "no-brainer" and hopes her time on the show will continue past the current season.