After more than a decade of stepping into the sturdy boots of Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt, saying goodbye is far from easy — even when you know it’s time.
“When I first joined Chicago P.D., I had no idea how much this role, this cast, this crew — and this character — would come to mean to me,” says Amy Morton, reflecting on her departure from the One Chicago franchise. “What started as a job turned into a second family. Trudy became a part of me.”
From the pilot episode to now, Morton has been the rock behind the desk at District 21 — delivering biting one-liners, tough love, and quiet compassion to a unit that’s seen everything. But it’s not just the character fans are struggling to let go of — it’s the spirit Amy brought with her every single day.
“There’s been so much laughter behind the scenes — the kind that gets you through 16-hour days and freezing Chicago winters. We’ve cried together, celebrated together, and grown together as artists and people.”
Morton’s voice warms as she recalls memories with her castmates, especially her long-running on-screen relationships with Jason Beghe (Voight) and Marina Squerciati (Burgess).
“Some of my favorite moments weren’t even on screen — they were in the quiet corners between takes. Jason cracking a joke just before a serious scene. Marina making me laugh so hard I had to re-do my makeup. That kind of connection — it’s rare. I’ll carry it with me forever.”
But with all the joy comes the ache of leaving.
“It’s bittersweet. Trudy has given me so much — she’s taught me about strength, resilience, and the beauty of saying exactly what you mean. But I also know in my bones that this is the right moment to step away. It’s time for something new. Still… that doesn’t make it any easier.”
The outpouring of love from fans in the days following the announcement hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Reading your messages, watching the tribute videos — it’s overwhelming in the most beautiful way. To know that Trudy meant something to you… that she helped you feel seen, or made you laugh when you needed it most — that’s the greatest reward an actor can hope for.”
As for what comes next?
“I’m returning to the theater for a while. It’s where I started, and it’s where I always find myself again. Directing, mentoring, creating from the ground up — I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Still, Amy Morton makes one thing clear:
“Chicago will always be home. And Trudy Platt will always be with me. She’s in the bones of that precinct, in the hearts of the fans — and in mine.”
