Jason Beghe Reacts to His 1980s Shirtless Modeling Ads: “Wow”

So, you probably know Jason Beghe as the gravel-voiced, no-nonsense detective Hank Voight on Chicago P.D. But long before he was solving crimes and staring down bad guys, Beghe was flexing a very different set of muscles—literally.

Yes, that’s right. In the 1980s, Jason Beghe had a whole different career. And spoiler alert: it involved a lot less leather and a lot more skin.

The Unlikely Past of a Tough Guy

You look at Beghe today—intense, rugged, commanding—and it’s hard to imagine him as a fashion model. But that’s exactly what he did back in the day. And not just any modeling: we’re talking shirtless, smoldering, straight-out-of-an-80s-romance-novel modeling.

The ’80s Were Wild, and So Was the Fashion

Let’s not forget, the 1980s was an era of wild prints, bold poses, and perfectly feathered hair. For Jason Beghe, it was a time of transformation. Before Hollywood roles and before joining the Chicago police department—on screen, of course—he posed for print ads and magazine covers.

Beghe’s Reaction to Seeing His Old Ads

When Entertainment Tonight showed Jason Beghe some of his old modeling shots in an exclusive sit-down interview, his response was immediate—and classic: “Wow.”

That one word said it all. A mix of surprise, amusement, and maybe a touch of nostalgia. He laughed, shook his head, and didn’t hold back.

“I can’t believe that’s me. I had no idea what I was doing,” Beghe joked. “But hey, we all start somewhere, right?”

He Owned It—With Humor and Grace

Rather than cringing or brushing it off, Beghe embraced it. He laughed at his youthful poses, acknowledged the goofy charm, and even complimented his younger self for “looking pretty good.”

It’s refreshing to see a Hollywood star not take themselves too seriously. Beghe’s reaction felt real, down-to-earth, and oddly comforting. Like watching your dad discover his disco photos from college.

Before ‘Chicago P.D.’: A Life Full of Surprises

Jason Beghe didn’t just wake up one day as Hank Voight. His career has had more plot twists than a crime drama. From modeling to film to TV, he’s navigated Hollywood in his own unique way.

How Modeling Gave Him an Edge in Acting

Believe it or not, those early days in front of the camera may have helped him land roles later on. Modeling teaches you presence, confidence, and how to express emotion without saying a word—all tools that Beghe now uses to play one of TV’s most intense characters.

From Pretty Boy to Powerhouse

It’s safe to say Beghe has come a long way since his shirtless modeling days. Today, he’s the face of Chicago P.D. and one of the most compelling characters on TV. But those early ads? They’re a reminder that every journey has a beginning—even if it’s a little embarrassing.

Fans React: “We’re Not Mad at It!”

When fans saw the throwback images, social media exploded. Reactions ranged from shocked (“That’s Voight?!”) to delighted (“We’re not mad at it, Jason!”). Memes, gifs, and swooning tweets followed almost instantly.

The Magic of a Humble Throwback

There’s something universally charming about a celebrity being humbled by their own past. It makes them more human. Beghe’s reaction wasn’t just funny—it was relatable. Who among us hasn’t looked back at an old photo and said, “Yikes… was that really me?”

He’s Still Got It

Let’s be honest—Beghe still looks great. Sure, he’s traded in abs for authority, but the swagger is still there. That confident glint in his eye? Yep, it hasn’t gone anywhere.

Why We Love Seeing This Side of Celebrities

Seeing a tough guy like Jason Beghe get a little bashful over an old modeling shot? That’s gold. It reminds us that even the most intimidating TV cops were once just young guys trying to make it in the big world.

The Power of Looking Back

Whether it’s for laughs, reflection, or a reminder of how far we’ve come, taking a moment to look back is powerful. Beghe did it with style, humor, and a whole lot of charm.

How This Moment Became a Viral Hit

Why did this interview go viral? Simple—it was honest. In a world of polished personas and over-managed images, Beghe’s unfiltered “Wow” moment hit a nerve. It felt spontaneous, real, and just plain fun.

The Takeaway: Embrace Your Past, Even the Cringey Parts

If Jason Beghe can laugh at his shirtless modeling ads, we can probably all give ourselves a little more grace. Whether it’s an awkward high school photo or a questionable fashion phase, our pasts are part of who we are.

And sometimes, looking back just gives us one more reason to smile—and maybe even say, “Wow.”

Conclusion: From Model to Detective—Jason Beghe’s Journey Is the Ultimate Glow-Up

Jason Beghe’s story is a masterclass in reinvention. From striking a pose in ’80s fashion ads to commanding the screen as Chicago’s toughest cop, he’s shown us all how to grow, evolve, and laugh at ourselves along the way.

The viral moment of him reacting to his shirtless modeling days wasn’t just funny—it was a full-circle moment. It reminded fans that the journey matters, every phase has value, and sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the greatest destinations.

So next time you’re scrolling through your old photo album and cringing… just remember: Jason Beghe did it too—and he said, “Wow.”