After more than a decade on the air, Chicago P.D. has seen its share of departures—some shocking, some planned, and all leaving a mark on the fabric of the Intelligence Unit. As characters come and go, fans often wonder what the actors behind them have moved on to after exiting the long-running NBC procedural. Here’s a look at the main cast members who left Chicago P.D. and where their careers have taken them since.
Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead)
Jesse Lee Soffer’s departure hit the fandom hard, as Jay Halstead was one of the show’s original anchors. After leaving the Intelligence Unit, the actor pivoted toward expanding his work behind the camera. He has continued acting while also exploring more directing opportunities—a natural transition after directing an episode of Chicago P.D. during his final season. Soffer remains active in both TV and film development, keeping close ties with the industry.
Sophia Bush (Erin Lindsay)
Sophia Bush exited the series earlier in its run, but her career has been consistently busy since then. She has taken on a mix of television and film roles while also investing time in activism, producing, and podcasting. Her work continues to span drama, comedy, and documentary projects, highlighting the range she has always brought to her roles.
Jon Seda (Antonio Dawson)
Jon Seda’s departure marked the end of an era for fans who had followed Detective Antonio Dawson since the early days of the One Chicago universe. Post-P.D., Seda returned to a range of television work, taking on roles that draw on his strong dramatic presence. His career has continued steadily with projects across major networks and streaming platforms.
Lisseth Chavez (Vanessa Rojas)
Although her time on the show was brief, Lisseth Chavez made an impression as Officer Rojas. Since exiting Chicago P.D., she has taken on new television roles, adding to her growing resume and continuing to establish herself as a rising talent.
Brian Geraghty (Sean Roman)
Brian Geraghty left the Intelligence Unit early in the series but has remained active in both film and television. Known for jumping between genres, he has continued to secure roles that allow him to stretch beyond procedural drama, exploring everything from action to prestige drama.
Archie Kao (Sheldon Jin)
Archie Kao’s early departure was one of the show’s most surprising. Since then, he has continued to work internationally in both English-language and Asian markets, taking on acting, producing, and directing projects that highlight his versatility.
What These Departures Mean for the Show
Each exit has reshaped the dynamic of the Intelligence Unit, prompting new storylines and character pairings. While the departures have at times frustrated fans, they have also kept the narrative evolving and opened the door for fresh faces to step in. The strength of Chicago P.D. lies not only in its long-standing characters but also in its ability to reinvent itself through cast changes.
As the series enters its next chapter, viewers continue to follow both the evolving stories on-screen and the careers of the actors who helped build the world of the Intelligence Unit. Whether pursuing new creative paths or stepping into new roles across the industry, former cast members remain an enduring part of the Chicago P.D. legacy.
