If you’re a fan of Chicago P.D., you’re no stranger to the intense world of law enforcement, gritty crime-solving, and personal drama. At the heart of the series are the characters of Hank Voight (played by Jason Beghe) and Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati). These two characters—though deeply entrenched in the chaotic and often morally ambiguous world of policing—also carry the weight of personal stories that resonate with many fans. But what happens when the cameras stop rolling? How do these roles impact the actors themselves?
In this article, we’ll explore how Jason Beghe’s portrayal of Voight and Marina Squerciati’s take on Burgess influences their real lives. From the emotional challenges of playing complex characters to the personal lessons they’ve learned, it’s clear that their on-screen roles don’t just end when the director yells “cut.”
Jason Beghe’s Transformation Into Hank Voight
Becoming Voight: The Process of Immersing in a Complex Character
Jason Beghe’s portrayal of Hank Voight is nothing short of iconic. Voight is the leader of the Intelligence Unit, known for his tough, no-nonsense approach to policing. His moral compass is often questioned, and his willingness to bend (and sometimes break) the rules to get the job done is a defining feature. But how does this larger-than-life character affect Beghe’s approach to acting and life outside of the show?
For Beghe, stepping into Voight’s shoes was not just about playing a character but also understanding the psyche of someone who lives in a constant state of internal conflict. “Voight is a very complicated guy,” Beghe says. “I don’t agree with everything he does, but I understand his motivations.” This duality has helped Beghe grow both as an actor and as a person, forcing him to dig deep into his own values while maintaining the authenticity of the character.
How Voight’s Tough Exterior Affects Beghe’s Life
One of the most notable aspects of Hank Voight is his tough exterior. As an actor, Beghe often channels that strength into his own persona, especially in the public eye. Fans see him as the confident, no-nonsense leader Voight is, but in reality, Jason Beghe is much more grounded and approachable.
“Voight is someone who doesn’t show vulnerability,” Beghe explains. “That’s not necessarily something I carry with me in my day-to-day life.” The actor admits that stepping out of Voight’s shoes after a long day of filming can sometimes take a toll. “It’s hard to turn it off, especially after playing someone so intense.”
However, playing Voight has also helped Jason cultivate a level of resilience. “I think I’ve learned a lot about managing emotions and staying calm under pressure,” he shares. And in many ways, those qualities translate into how he handles challenges in real life.
Marina Squerciati: Bringing Kim Burgess to Life
The Strength and Vulnerability of Kim Burgess
Kim Burgess is a fan-favorite character known for her empathy, strength, and, at times, vulnerability. As a member of the Intelligence Unit, Burgess faces life-or-death situations regularly, but her personal struggles—particularly her journey to becoming a mother and navigating the challenges of a female officer—add layers of depth to her character. For Marina Squerciati, playing Kim Burgess is both rewarding and emotional.
“Kim is someone who tries to balance her career and personal life,” Squerciati says. “She’s tough, but she’s also very human. She’s a person who struggles with her own flaws and tries to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.”
The Emotional Toll of Playing Burgess
Like Jason Beghe, Marina Squerciati feels the weight of playing a character as layered as Burgess. “Burgess is someone who feels things very deeply. Her emotions affect her decisions, both on and off the job,” she notes. “It’s definitely a challenge to carry that emotional burden, but it also allows me to connect with my own emotions more.”
Squerciati admits that she often has to dig deep to portray Burgess’s more vulnerable moments. “It can be exhausting, especially when we’re shooting emotional scenes. But it’s also cathartic. It reminds me to be more open and compassionate in my own life.”
Voight and Burgess: The Shared Responsibility of Leadership
How Beghe and Squerciati Learn from Each Other
Jason Beghe and Marina Squerciati share a unique on-screen relationship as colleagues in the Intelligence Unit. Off-screen, they share a strong professional bond that often translates into their performances. According to Beghe, their partnership is rooted in mutual respect. “Marina is incredible. She brings so much depth to her role, and we have this unspoken understanding when we’re working together,” he shares.
For Squerciati, working with Beghe has been a rewarding experience, as she often looks to him for guidance on how to approach intense emotional scenes. “Jason is such a calming presence on set,” she says. “He’s been doing this for so long, and I’ve learned a lot from watching him navigate the challenges of playing Voight.”
The Balance Between Fiction and Reality: Lessons Learned
The Real-Life Impact of Playing a Cop
Both Jason Beghe and Marina Squerciati have developed a new understanding of law enforcement through their roles. While neither actor has been involved in real-life policing, playing characters like Voight and Burgess has deepened their understanding of the challenges police officers face every day.
“One of the things I’ve learned is how much pressure these officers are under,” Beghe explains. “The job takes a toll on them physically, mentally, and emotionally. And that’s something that Voight carries with him all the time.”
Squerciati shares similar sentiments, particularly about the complexities of being a female officer. “I’ve learned how tough it is to be a woman in a male-dominated profession, and how much strength it takes to be taken seriously.”
How Their Characters Shape Their Personal Values
Playing such complex characters has undoubtedly influenced both Beghe and Squerciati’s personal values. For Beghe, playing Voight has reinforced his belief in the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when the consequences are dire. “Voight’s not perfect, but he’s always trying to do what’s best for his team,” Beghe says. “That’s something I strive for in my own life.”
For Squerciati, Burgess’s journey as a strong, yet vulnerable, woman has made her more aware of her own vulnerabilities and strengths. “Burgess teaches me to be strong but also to recognize when I need help,” she says.
Conclusion: The Lasting Influence of Voight and Burgess
Both Jason Beghe and Marina Squerciati bring immense depth to their roles as Hank Voight and Kim Burgess. Their portrayals go beyond just acting—they reflect real-life lessons about strength, vulnerability, leadership, and resilience. As they navigate the complexities of their on-screen characters, they also carry these lessons into their personal lives, shaping their perspectives and their relationships with others.
FAQs
1. How does playing Voight affect Jason Beghe in real life?
Jason Beghe says that playing Voight has taught him to manage emotions and stay calm under pressure, but it’s also a challenge to turn off Voight’s intensity after a long day of filming.
2. What has Marina Squerciati learned from playing Kim Burgess?
Marina Squerciati has learned to be more open and compassionate in her own life, as Burgess’s vulnerability and emotional depth often resonate with her.
3. Do Jason Beghe and Marina Squerciati get along off-screen?
Yes! Jason and Marina share a strong professional bond, and they often learn from each other, particularly when it comes to emotional scenes.
4. How does playing police officers impact the actors’ views on law enforcement?
Both actors have gained a deeper understanding of the pressure and emotional toll law enforcement officers face, even though they are not real-life police officers themselves.
5. Do Jason Beghe and Marina Squerciati have similar views on their characters?
Yes, both actors agree that their characters—Voight and Burgess—teach them important lessons about leadership, resilience, and doing what’s right, no matter the cost.
