For nearly a decade, Jay Halstead was one of the most beloved characters on Chicago P.D., winning fans over with his dedication, integrity, and undeniable chemistry with his fellow officers—especially Hailey Upton. But who is the actor who brought Jay Halstead to life, and what do we know about him beyond the hit police drama?
Meet Jesse Lee Soffer: The Man Behind Jay Halstead
The role of Detective Jay Halstead was played by none other than Jesse Lee Soffer, an actor with an impressive background in television, film, and even soap operas before he became a fan-favorite in the One Chicago universe.
Born on April 23, 1984, in Ossining, New York, Soffer has been acting since childhood. But while he’s been in the industry for years, it was his gritty, emotional, and action-packed performance as Jay Halstead that truly cemented his place in television history.
Jesse Lee Soffer’s Journey to Chicago P.D.
Soffer’s journey to Chicago P.D. wasn’t an overnight success. He worked hard for years, earning roles in various projects before landing the career-defining role of Jay Halstead in 2014.
🔹 Early Career: Before Chicago P.D., Soffer starred in films like Matinee (1993) and Safe Passage (1994). However, he first gained recognition for his role as Will Munson on As the World Turns, a performance that earned him three Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
🔹 Breaking into Prime-Time TV: Soffer appeared in popular shows like The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), CSI: Miami, and The Mentalist, proving his versatility as an actor.
🔹 Becoming Jay Halstead: When Chicago Fire introduced the Intelligence Unit in Season 1, the groundwork was laid for Chicago P.D., and Jesse Lee Soffer was cast as Detective Jay Halstead—a former Army Ranger turned tough-but-moral cop.
Why Jay Halstead Became a Fan-Favorite Character
From his sharp instincts in investigations to his strong sense of justice, Jay Halstead quickly became a standout character in the One Chicago universe.
✅ Loyal Partner: Whether he was backing up his fellow officers or protecting those he loved, Jay was always a team player.
✅ Romantic Icon: His relationship with Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos)—known as “Upstead”—became one of the show’s most iconic romances.
✅ Complex Backstory: Jay’s past as an Army veteran with PTSD added layers of depth to his character, making him more than just a tough detective.
Why Did Jesse Lee Soffer Leave Chicago P.D.?
After starring in 189 episodes, Jesse Lee Soffer shocked fans when he announced his departure in Season 10, Episode 3 (A Good Man). While his exit storyline saw Halstead leaving Chicago for a high-risk military job, fans hoped that this wasn’t the last we’d see of him.
Though he hasn’t returned to Chicago P.D.—yet—Soffer remains connected to the show, even stepping behind the camera to direct an episode in Season 10.
What’s Next for Jesse Lee Soffer?
Since leaving Chicago P.D., Soffer has been relatively private about his next big acting move. However, given his immense talent and fan following, it’s only a matter of time before we see him back on screen—possibly even in One Chicago again.
