For twelve seasons, Chicago P.D. has kept viewers on edge with its gritty storytelling and moral complexity, anchored by Jason Beghe’s unforgettable portrayal of Sergeant Hank Voight. A man defined by both his authority and his flaws, Voight stands as one of television’s most complicated lawmen — and according to Beghe, that’s exactly what makes him so captivating.
In a recent interview, Beghe offered a rare glimpse into the psyche of the man behind the badge, reflecting on how he’s shaped Voight’s character from a hard-edged enforcer to a deeply conflicted leader. “Voight is not a hero or a villain,” Beghe said. “He’s a man trying to do good in a world that doesn’t always reward good behavior. That’s what makes him real.”
From the show’s early days, Voight has walked a moral tightrope, often bending — or breaking — the rules to get results. Beghe doesn’t shy away from the controversy surrounding his character’s methods. “Voight operates in gray areas,” he explained. “He’s a product of his environment, and he makes choices based on his experiences. They’re not always right, but they’re human.”
That sense of raw humanity has become the cornerstone of Beghe’s performance. Known for his gravelly voice and intense stare, Beghe brings a commanding physicality to the role — but it’s his emotional depth that keeps fans invested. Over time, Voight has been stripped down layer by layer, revealing not just a cop haunted by past mistakes, but a man searching for redemption.
“Loss defines Voight,” Beghe admitted. “He’s lost people he loved, and it changes the way he sees the world. Every decision he makes, even the harsh ones, comes from that pain.” Those losses — from his son Justin’s death to countless partners and allies — have carved a permanent mark on the sergeant, pushing him to question the very system he serves.
As Chicago P.D. continues into its later seasons, Beghe says he’s proud of how Voight’s journey mirrors the evolution of the series itself. “At first, Voight was all muscle — no emotion, no vulnerability. But over time, we’ve seen his cracks. He’s learning that strength can come from honesty and empathy too.”
Behind the camera, Beghe’s leadership on set mirrors Voight’s own commanding presence. Castmates often describe him as a grounding force, someone who sets the tone for intensity and authenticity. “We’ve built a family on this show,” he said. “That chemistry is what keeps the stories alive.”
Looking ahead, Beghe teases that Voight’s story is far from over. “He’s still searching — for peace, for forgiveness, for meaning,” he said thoughtfully. “He might never find it, but the search is what keeps him human.”
In a television landscape full of black-and-white heroes, Jason Beghe’s Hank Voight remains defiantly gray — a man of contradictions, conviction, and compassion. And that, perhaps, is why audiences still can’t look away.
