Thrown Under the Bus: Patrick Flueger Reflects on Being Made a Joke by a Chicago Co-Star”
Trust is a fragile thing, especially in an industry where collaboration is everything. As an actor on Chicago P.D., I, Patrick Flueger, always strive to bring authenticity and dedication to every scene. I’ve always believed in the importance of teamwork, that your co-stars will support you both on and off the camera. But sometimes, reality throws a punch you weren’t expecting.
During one particular episode, I found myself at the center of a scene that should have been routine. I had rehearsed it countless times, mentally prepared every nuance, and approached it with the professionalism the role demanded. But instead of a smooth collaboration, I was suddenly made the butt of a joke by a co-star—subtle at first, then increasingly obvious. Lines were ad-libbed at my expense, gestures exaggerated to make me look ridiculous, and behind-the-scenes comments spread in a way that turned my hard work into someone else’s amusement.
At first, I was furious. The sting of being publicly undermined was immediate and sharp. But beneath the anger lay a deeper sense of betrayal. I had trusted this person, believing that we were working together toward the same goal. Instead, that trust was exploited for laughs that weren’t shared with me. It’s a bitter lesson—one that goes beyond ego or embarrassment.
After the initial shock wore off, I realized there were lessons to take from the experience. First, you learn to assess trust more carefully and understand that not everyone respects it as you do. Second, you discover the importance of maintaining your professionalism, even when someone else tries to sabotage it for personal amusement. And perhaps most importantly, you learn to forgive—not for their sake, but for your own peace of mind. Holding onto bitterness only hampers your growth and clouds your judgment.
That day, I finished the scene with a mixture of frustration and quiet determination. I knew that while I couldn’t control someone else’s actions, I could control my response. The experience reinforced a vital truth: trust is valuable, but personal integrity and resilience matter even more. How you react when someone tries to belittle you defines not just your reputation, but your character.
Looking back, I carry the lesson forward. In acting and in life, people may misuse your trust or try to make you look foolish, but those moments test your composure, patience, and understanding of human nature. And ultimately, they remind you that loyalty, professionalism, and self-respect are the most important tools you can bring both on set and off.
