Chicago P.D. has stood out as one of the most compelling police procedurals on television. The action-packed series delivers gripping storylines, emotional arcs, and edge-of-your-seat drama. But behind the scenes, the cast of Chicago P.D. is full of surprises, hidden talents, and heartwarming connections. While we often see them chasing down criminals or navigating departmental politics, the real lives of these actors are just as fascinating. Let’s take a closer look at 50 fun facts that make the stars of Chicago P.D. even more lovable.
Jason Beghe, who plays the gritty and complicated Sergeant Hank Voight, is known for his signature gravelly voice. Surprisingly, that voice wasn’t always part of his persona—it resulted from a near-fatal car accident in the 1990s that damaged his vocal cords. Before stepping into law enforcement on-screen, Beghe worked as a model and appeared in films like Thelma & Louise. He was also childhood friends with X-Files actor David Duchovny. His presence as Voight is not just central to the show—it’s foundational, having originated on Chicago Fire before launching Chicago P.D.
Marina Squerciati, who brings Officer Kim Burgess to life, is a Northwestern University graduate with a theater degree. Beyond her TV persona, Marina is multilingual—she speaks Italian fluently—and she once starred in an off-Broadway show based on Judy Holliday. Her real-life experiences mirrored her character’s when she became a mother during Season 7, with her pregnancy cleverly written into the show. Marina is also known for her strong off-screen friendships, especially with Chicago Fire actress Kara Killmer.
Patrick John Flueger, known to fans as Adam Ruzek, almost had a very different career. He was once a finalist for the role of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Luckily for Chicago P.D. fans, he brought his talent to One Chicago instead. A Minnesota native, Flueger is also a gifted musician who enjoys playing guitar in his downtime. His chemistry with Marina Squerciati, both on and off-screen, adds depth to their often-turbulent on-screen relationship.
LaRoyce Hawkins, who plays the principled and loyal Kevin Atwater, is a man of many talents. A former college basketball player at Illinois State University, LaRoyce is also a published poet and spoken word performer. He’s deeply involved in youth mentoring programs in Chicago, using his platform to uplift and inspire. His commitment to social justice and authenticity makes his portrayal of Atwater even more powerful, especially during episodes that deal with race and policing.
Tracy Spiridakos, the woman behind Detective Hailey Upton, brings toughness and vulnerability to her character. Off-screen, she’s equally dynamic. Born in Canada and fluent in Greek, Tracy is trained in Krav Maga and loves fostering rescue dogs. Before joining Chicago P.D., she starred in the post-apocalyptic series Revolution, produced by J.J. Abrams. Her adventurous spirit shows in the way she throws herself into high-stakes stunts and emotionally charged scenes.
Amy Morton, the indomitable Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt, is a true acting powerhouse. A longtime member of the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Amy has earned Tony Award nominations and critical acclaim for her work on Broadway. She has also stepped behind the camera to direct episodes of Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. Though her character is often behind the desk, Amy’s influence is felt throughout the show’s tone and authenticity.
The One Chicago universe is built on crossovers, and the Chicago P.D. cast regularly appears in Chicago Fire and Chicago Med. Amy Morton’s Trudy Platt holds the record for the most cross-show appearances, often showing up to offer guidance—or a snarky comment—with perfect timing. Even Jesse Lee Soffer’s Jay Halstead teamed up with SVU’s Detective Fin for a memorable crossover episode. These shared moments make the franchise feel like one giant family.
As rumors swirl about a possible One Chicago feature film, fans can only hope to see more of these dynamic actors in extended storylines. Whether it’s LaRoyce Hawkins speaking at a local school, Jason Beghe mentoring younger castmates, or Tracy Spiridakos training dogs between scenes, the people behind the badges are as interesting as the characters they play.
Ultimately, what makes Chicago P.D. so special is not just its writing or production—it’s the genuine camaraderie and talent of its cast. Knowing these behind-the-scenes fun facts adds another layer of appreciation for a show that continues to captivate audiences around the world. So the next time you tune in for a high-stakes takedown or an emotional team moment, remember: these actors aren’t just playing heroes—they’re fascinating individuals in real life, too.
