Chicago P.D. fans anxiously count down the days until Season 11 premieres, the show’s cast members continue to give audiences glimpses into their off-screen lives—and no one does it more authentically than LaRoyce Hawkins. Known for his powerful portrayal of Officer Kevin Atwater, Hawkins recently shared a touching story about watching the show with his young son that left fans smiling—and reminded everyone why the One Chicago franchise feels like family.
During a recent fan event, LaRoyce Hawkins opened up about a sweet and unexpectedly emotional moment he shared with his son while watching an episode of Chicago P.D.. “We were sitting on the couch,” Hawkins said, “and an Atwater scene came on. He looked at the screen, looked at me, and said, ‘That’s Daddy!’” It was a moment of pride, humility, and reflection all rolled into one. Hawkins described how his son, Roman, is still young enough to be amazed that his dad is on television but old enough to begin understanding what that means. “He doesn’t fully grasp the storyline,” Hawkins laughed. “But he knows I’m doing something important. And he thinks it’s cool that Daddy helps people, even if it’s just pretend.”
LaRoyce Hawkins doesn’t often share details of his personal life, but he has opened up occasionally about how fatherhood has changed him. Becoming a dad in 2017, he says, made him more mindful not just in life, but in his career choices. “I think more carefully about the roles I take, the projects I do,” he told a Chicago-based outlet. “Because now I’m not just representing myself—I’m setting an example.” While Hawkins keeps his son largely out of the public spotlight, fans have occasionally been treated to adorable anecdotes or subtle references to their tight-knit bond. “Being a father is the most fulfilling role I’ve ever played,” he’s said in the past. And based on how he speaks about Roman, there’s no doubt he means it.
For longtime fans of Chicago P.D., the story of LaRoyce and his son struck a chord—especially for those who’ve watched Atwater grow from a patrol cop into one of the moral anchors of the Intelligence Unit. The scene Hawkins recalled with his son became symbolic for many: a reminder that the characters we admire on TV often reflect real-life values, struggles, and triumphs. “He’s not just a great actor,” one fan commented online. “LaRoyce is the real deal—on and off screen.” Others shared their own stories of watching Chicago P.D. with family members and how it sparked important conversations, especially around justice and community.
While LaRoyce Hawkins’s sweet story gave fans something to smile about, it also sparked even more anticipation for what’s ahead in Season 11. After a challenging Season 10 that saw Atwater once again pushed to his emotional limits—navigating difficult cases, strained relationships, and his constant fight to do what’s right—viewers are eager to see where his journey goes next. Hawkins has hinted in past interviews that Season 11 could bring even more growth for Atwater, both professionally and personally. “We’re exploring new territory,” he teased. “Atwater is evolving. He’s figuring out who he is beyond the badge. And yes, he’s still carrying the weight of the world—but he’s learning how to share it.”
In an industry often criticized for lacking authentic Black representation, Hawkins’s presence on Chicago P.D. matters. Not only is he one of the few Black male leads in the One Chicago universe, but he’s also one of its most consistent moral compasses. He doesn’t shy away from hard conversations—whether on the show or in interviews—and his personal experiences as a father and a Black man in America inform the depth he brings to every scene. “When I hear that my son recognized me as someone who helps others—even in a fictional world—it reminds me that representation starts at home,” Hawkins said. “That’s why I do what I do.”
While Chicago P.D. fans await the premiere of Season 11, moments like this remind us that the show’s impact reaches far beyond the screen. LaRoyce Hawkins’s story about his son may be brief, but it speaks volumes: about fatherhood, about legacy, and about the power of telling stories that matter.So while the countdown to new episodes continues, fans can take comfort in knowing that the actors they admire are living lives full of heart, purpose, and gratitude. And in Hawkins’s case, a little couch time with his biggest (and tiniest) fan is the best reminder of all that he’s doing something truly meaningful.
