When we think of Hank Voight from Chicago P.D., the image that comes to mind is intense, unflinching, and downright intimidating. But the man behind the badge — Jason Beghe — isn’t quite as gruff as his on-screen alter ego. In fact, he’s got a nickname so sweet and fluffy it would make Voight roll his eyes in disbelief.
Ready to dig into the softer, more human side of this gritty TV icon? Let’s dive in — and don’t be surprised if your opinion of Jason Beghe shifts entirely.
👮♂️ Who Is Jason Beghe, Really?
Before we dive into the nickname that’s causing fans to swoon, let’s take a second to remember who Jason Beghe is.
🔹 Star of Chicago P.D.
Beghe has played Sergeant Hank Voight since the Chicago Fire backdoor pilot in 2012. He then took center stage in Chicago P.D. when it launched in 2014.
🔹 A Career Built on Tough Roles
From Californication to Thelma & Louise, Beghe’s career has been defined by strong, often gritty characters. His voice — gravelly and full of life experience — has become one of his signature traits.
💬 So, What’s the Nickname?
🐶 The Fluffy Truth Behind the Name
According to several cast interviews and social media buzz, Jason’s nickname among cast and crew is none other than…
“Puppy.”
Yep. Puppy. As in, adorable, tail-wagging, fluffy ball of love.
It’s the kind of name that instantly disarms people — and absolutely clashes with the no-nonsense, punch-first-ask-later attitude of his character, Voight.
🧡 Why “Puppy”?
🔹 It’s All About His Energy
Despite his on-screen intensity, Jason Beghe is known behind the scenes as incredibly warm, loyal, and fun — much like a golden retriever.
He’s always joking with the crew, encouraging his co-stars, and showing genuine care for the people around him.
🔹 Cast and Crew Love Him
In interviews, co-stars like Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess) and Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek) have mentioned how Jason lightens the mood on set.
One crew member even described him as “a big, scruffy teddy bear who just happens to look like he could break your nose.”
🎬 The Juxtaposition: Puppy vs. Voight
🧱 Two Sides of the Same Man
This is where things get fascinating.
Voight is known for being a hardline, no-nonsense leader. He’s the guy who’ll go rogue if that’s what it takes to bring justice. A nickname like “Puppy” seems absurd for someone like that.
But that’s the beauty of it. Jason Beghe plays Voight so well because he understands balance. He brings just enough softness into the role to make Voight complex — not just angry.
🎙️ How the Nickname Became Public
🐾 A Leak From the Set
This nickname first surfaced during an Instagram Q&A hosted by a guest star. When asked what Jason is like in real life, the actor responded with, “He’s the biggest puppy you’ll ever meet. That’s literally what we call him — Puppy.”
📣 Fan Reactions Were Instant
Once fans caught wind of the nickname, Twitter exploded. The hashtag #PuppyBeghe trended in several fandom circles.
Comments like “My heart can’t handle this” and “Voight would throw a chair if he heard this” started flooding timelines.
🗣️ What Jason Thinks About It
😅 He’s Surprisingly Cool With It
When asked in a press junket whether he knows about the nickname, Jason just laughed.
“Yeah, I’ve heard it. I guess there are worse things to be called,” he said with a smirk.
That’s the vibe: unbothered, grounded, and entirely at peace with who he is.
📺 Voight Would Hate It — And That’s Hilarious
💢 A Name That Defies the Badge
If Voight heard someone call him “Puppy,” let’s be honest — someone’s getting thrown against a wall.
And that’s what makes this all so delightful. It humanizes Jason, shows his range, and reminds us that the toughest guys often have the softest hearts.
💡 What This Says About Acting
🎭 The Power of Transformation
A nickname like “Puppy” shows just how far Jason Beghe stretches to become Hank Voight. It’s not just about method acting — it’s about understanding duality.
He’s not faking toughness — he’s accessing a very different part of himself.
🤝 Jason’s On-Set Relationships
📸 He’s the Glue Behind the Scenes
Numerous co-stars have praised Jason for keeping morale high on set. His energy, humor, and support make the long shooting days more bearable.
He’s the kind of guy who gives real hugs and asks how your mom’s doing — and means it.
🎥 Fans Want More Behind-the-Scenes Jason
📽️ #BTSBeghe Movement
Following the nickname reveal, fans have been demanding more behind-the-scenes content showing Jason’s real personality.
They want bloopers, cast hangouts, and goofy takes that show “Puppy” in action.
📚 A Lesson in Duality for Fans
Jason Beghe’s fluffy nickname isn’t just fun — it’s a lesson. People aren’t one-dimensional. The same person who can play a rage-filled cop can also be the sweetest soul off-camera.
That duality? It’s what makes actors like Jason unforgettable.
💬 Final Thoughts
Jason Beghe might play the toughest guy on primetime TV, but behind the scowl, there’s a whole lot of heart — and a nickname to prove it.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the characters we see on screen. But every now and then, a little behind-the-scenes peek reminds us that even the gruffest actors have a soft side. And honestly? That’s what makes them great.
Voight might hate it… but we love it.
