Tracy Spiridakos, who has portrayed Detective Hailey Upton on Chicago P.D. since Season 4, shocked fans when she announced her departure from the hit NBC drama. After years of delivering intense performances and becoming a key member of Intelligence, Spiridakos decided to bid farewell to the character, leaving many wondering why she chose to exit the series.
While the actress has not publicly disclosed all the details behind her decision, industry insiders and reports suggest that her departure was a carefully considered move rather than a sudden choice. According to sources close to the production, Spiridakos had been planning her exit for some time, allowing the writers to craft a fitting send-off for Upton.
One possible reason for her departure is her desire to explore new opportunities. Having dedicated seven seasons to Chicago P.D., Spiridakos may be looking to take on different roles that challenge her as an actress. Many television actors eventually seek out fresh projects to diversify their careers, and Spiridakos appears to be no exception.
Another factor could be the evolution of Upton’s storyline. Over the past seasons, Hailey Upton has endured significant personal and professional turmoil, from her rocky relationship with Jay Halstead (played by Jesse Lee Soffer) to her struggles with the weight of police work. With Halstead’s departure in Season 10 and Upton’s character arc seemingly reaching a natural conclusion, Spiridakos may have felt that it was the right time to step away.
Fans have expressed mixed emotions about her exit. While many are saddened by the loss of a beloved character, others appreciate the actress’s decision to pursue new ventures. The One Chicago fandom remains hopeful that Spiridakos will return for guest appearances or even a potential crossover in the future.
As Chicago P.D. moves forward without Upton, viewers will be eager to see how the show handles her departure and what lies ahead for the Intelligence Unit. One thing is certain—Tracy Spiridakos has left an indelible mark on the series, and her portrayal of Hailey Upton will be remembered for years to come.
