Jason Beghe, the gravel-voiced actor best known for his commanding role as Hank Voight on NBC’s Chicago P.D., is the very embodiment of tough. As Voight, he’s the kind of no-nonsense, morally grey police sergeant who will growl his way through interrogations and take justice into his own hands when the system fails. His on-screen persona is intimidating, gruff, and at times borderline terrifying. But behind the scenes, fans might be shocked to learn that the man who plays the toughest cop in Chicago responds to a nickname that is — believe it or not — irresistibly fluffy. The revelation came during an interview segment on set when a co-star casually let slip that Beghe is often called “J-Bear” by his close friends and longtime colleagues. Yes, you read that right — “J-Bear.”
It’s the kind of nickname that conjures up images of soft sweaters, warm hugs, and maybe even a mug of chamomile tea. It’s a far cry from the snarl of Voight, who doesn’t exactly strike anyone as teddy bear material. And yet, the nickname fits the real Jason Beghe in surprising ways. According to the Chicago P.D. cast and crew, Beghe is known for being incredibly kind-hearted, loyal, and deeply supportive to everyone on set. Behind his trademark rasp — which he developed after a car accident damaged his vocal cords — lies a personality that’s anything but threatening. Despite his often intense demeanor in interviews, those who’ve worked with him describe him as playful, generous, and even “a big softie.” So where did the nickname “J-Bear” come from? It seems it originated years ago during the early seasons of Chicago P.D., when one of the makeup artists joked that his quiet moments between takes resembled a bear emerging from hibernation — calm, thoughtful, and slightly sleepy.
The nickname stuck, and now it’s used affectionately by the crew, makeup department, and even his on-screen co-stars like Marina Squerciati and LaRoyce Hawkins. Everyone agrees: he’s intense when the cameras roll, but offscreen he’s the kind of guy who will listen to your problems, remember your birthday, and check in on people after tough days. What’s especially funny is imagining how Voight would react if anyone dared to call him “J-Bear” to his face. One can almost hear the growl and see the death stare. Voight doesn’t do nicknames. He doesn’t do “adorable.” He barely does “friendly.” And that contrast — between Jason Beghe and Hank Voight — might be one of the best-kept secrets of the One Chicago franchise. This gentle nickname has actually made the rounds at fan conventions and online fan spaces, where Beghe’s offscreen persona continues to win admiration.
In one behind-the-scenes blooper reel, fans spotted co-stars referring to him as “J-Bear” and even joking about how out of character it felt. Beghe, for his part, took it all in stride with a grin that Voight would never dare show. The actor has often spoken about how much he values the Chicago P.D. cast and crew, describing them as family. It’s easy to see how someone so committed to loyalty and camaraderie could earn such a warm nickname. Beyond set stories, Beghe’s life has had its own twists and complexities. A former Scientologist who publicly left the Church and became one of its most vocal critics, Beghe has always been someone unafraid to stand up for what he believes in.
This duality — fierce on camera, affectionate off it — makes Jason Beghe not just a compelling performer but also someone his peers admire deeply. The cast of Chicago P.D. has spoken often about the sense of trust and safety Beghe brings to the set, especially during intense emotional scenes. He’s the one who pulls actors aside after a tough scene and offers encouragement. He checks in after long shooting days. He’s a leader, not just as Voight, but as Jason — the man, the friend, the one they call “J-Bear.” In a world where tough guys are often expected to be one-dimensional, Jason Beghe breaks the mold. He reminds us that strength can come with softness, that intensity can coexist with empathy. He may play a character who’s haunted by trauma and driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, but in real life, he’s the guy who gives bear hugs, laughs with the crew, and earns their affection. So the next time you watch Chicago P.D. and see Hank Voight storming through a crime scene with fury in his eyes, remember that behind that stone-cold exterior is someone who gets called “J-Bear” by people who know him best. It’s a nickname Voight would hate, no doubt — but maybe, just maybe, it’s the one that fits Jason Beghe best of all.
