For more than a decade, Jason Beghe has been the unwavering force behind Chicago P.D. as the tough, gravel-voiced Sergeant Hank Voight. But behind that commanding presence was a man silently battling through pain — the kind that would have sidelined most actors. In a recent reflection, Beghe revealed that during the show’s first season, he was performing through “extreme, excruciating pain,” a challenge that tested both his body and his dedication to his craft.
When Chicago P.D. premiered in 2014, Voight quickly became one of television’s most complex antiheroes — a morally gray leader who would do whatever it took to protect his city. Few fans knew that behind the scenes, Beghe was pushing through a personal battle that mirrored the grit of his character. “I could barely move,” Beghe admitted. “There were days when just getting out of bed and going to set felt like an impossible task, but I wasn’t going to quit.”
The pain stemmed from severe injuries sustained years earlier in a near-fatal car accident. Beghe suffered broken ribs, a crushed collarbone, and injuries to his back and neck — wounds that left lasting effects. By the time Chicago P.D. began filming, he was still dealing with the consequences. The long shooting hours, physical stunts, and emotionally demanding scenes made each day a struggle. Yet, his performance never wavered. Voight remained as fierce and commanding as ever, earning Beghe praise for bringing emotional depth to a character often defined by his intensity.
“I think the pain added a certain authenticity,” Beghe reflected. “Voight is someone who carries the weight of his choices, and I was carrying something too — just in a different way. Maybe that’s why people connected with him.”
That raw realism became one of the defining traits of Chicago P.D. Beghe’s portrayal wasn’t just about power or authority; it was about endurance. His physical suffering translated into Voight’s emotional scars, giving the character a lived-in, weathered quality that resonated with audiences.
Since then, Beghe has undergone multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy, emerging stronger both physically and mentally. His perseverance has inspired not only fans but also his castmates, who have often praised his work ethic and leadership on set. “Jason leads by example,” co-star Marina Squerciati once said. “Even when he’s hurting, he shows up, he gives his all, and that energy drives everyone around him.”
Now entering its 13th season, Chicago P.D. continues to thrive, and so does Beghe. He’s openly grateful for the journey — pain and all — that brought him here. “It’s part of my story,” he said. “You can’t play a character like Voight without knowing what it feels like to fight through something.”
