When an actor with a storied past like The Pitt star joins a well-established television drama, expectations run high. But what happened during Season 12 of Chicago P.D. exceeded all expectations — not just for fans, but for the actor himself. At 49, the seasoned performer has openly praised his time on the NBC procedural, calling it one of the most “joyful” periods of his career. In a landscape where television sets can be as stressful as they are rewarding, his words ring loud and clear.
A Seamless Transition Into the Intelligence Unit
For any newcomer, stepping into Chicago P.D.’s Intelligence Unit is no small feat. The show is known for its gritty realism, emotional storytelling, and a cast that feels like family. But from the moment The Pitt actor arrived on set, he felt welcomed. “There was a real sense of camaraderie. Everyone knew how to bring the intensity when the cameras rolled, but off-screen, it felt like summer camp with bulletproof vests,” he joked in a recent interview.
Joining the series in Season 12, the actor portrayed a street-savvy informant turned reluctant ally to Hank Voight’s team. Initially expected to appear in only two or three episodes, his role quickly expanded after producers saw the natural chemistry he shared with both the cast and the city of Chicago itself.
Rediscovering the Joy of Acting
Having previously worked on big-budget films and award-winning indie projects, the actor revealed that the pace and consistency of a network drama like Chicago P.D. brought a fresh challenge — one he embraced fully. “There’s something so grounding about knowing where you’re going to be for several months, telling stories that matter to people,” he said.
What made his experience particularly joyful wasn’t just the scripts or the schedule — it was the people. He highlighted Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess), LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater), and Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek) as “some of the kindest, most dedicated people” he’s ever worked with. Their support allowed him to stretch creatively and emotionally on set.
Tackling Real-World Issues
Season 12 wasn’t light on drama. From political corruption to inner-city violence and mental health challenges among law enforcement, the show continued its tradition of tackling timely and often controversial topics. The actor’s character found himself at the center of several storylines that mirrored real-world struggles — something he didn’t take lightly.
“I wasn’t just playing a role,” he reflected. “I was stepping into the shoes of people who live these realities every day. That comes with responsibility.” His dedication to authenticity earned praise from both fans and critics, many of whom called for his return in Season 13.
A Career Milestone at 49
Turning 49 may signal a slowdown for some in Hollywood, but this actor is just getting started — or, rather, reigniting his passion. “I’ve done the glitzy premieres, the long location shoots in the middle of nowhere. But this — this was real. This was meaningful,” he said.
He even credited Chicago P.D. for restoring a sense of purpose in his career. “There’s something about knowing you’re contributing to a story that reflects the complexity of human experience. It made me excited to go to work every day.”
Will He Return for Season 13?
Fans are already buzzing about whether his character will return in Chicago P.D. Season 13. While nothing is confirmed, the actor has left the door wide open. “If the writers want to bring him back, I’m there. No question,” he said enthusiastically. That sentiment has only fueled speculation and hope among the show’s loyal viewership.
Executive producer Gwen Sigan has previously hinted at “unfinished business” for some of the newer characters introduced in Season 12, suggesting that we haven’t seen the last of him yet. In an industry often characterized by ego, burnout, and relentless competition, it’s refreshing to hear an actor speak so earnestly about joy. His experience on Chicago P.D. wasn’t just a job; it was a reminder of why he fell in love with acting in the first place. And perhaps that’s what makes his performance so compelling — you can feel that joy, even through the grit and chaos of the show’s darkest plotlines. In a world that’s increasingly hungry for authenticity, this kind of storytelling, and this kind of actor, are exactly what we need.
