Discover how the formidable stars of NBC’s Chicago P.D. trade their badges for parenthood, revealing the profound impact their real-life children have had on their careers and personal growth, both on and off the set of the long-running drama.
For over a decade, fans of Chicago P.D. have watched the dedicated officers of District 21 tackle the city’s toughest crimes. The intensity of their on-screen lives, led by characters like Sergeant Hank Voight, Officer Kim Burgess, and Officer Kevin Atwater, often mirrors the complexity of their personal struggles. What many fans might not realize is that behind the badges and relentless police work, several of the show’s beloved cast members are navigating their own demanding roles as loving parents.
The acclaimed series, which premiered in January 2014, has seen many of its core cast members grow not just as actors, but also as individuals embracing the joys and challenges of raising children. This unique blend of personal experience often subtly influences their performances, adding depth and authenticity to their iconic characters.
Jason Beghe: The Father Figure On and Off Screen
Jason Beghe, who embodies the complex and often controversial Sergeant Hank Voight, is not only a father figure to his unit on Chicago P.D. but also a devoted parent to his own two sons, Bix and Bo Bear. Voight’s character has navigated the grief of losing his son Justin and the responsibility of his grandson Daniel, experiences that surely resonate with Beghe’s own paternal instincts.
Beghe openly shares that his approach to mentoring his younger castmates mirrors his parenting philosophy. “Just like my own kids, they’re better than I am,” he explained on the Better Together w/ Anne and Heather podcast. He emphasizes learning from them, rather than solely teaching, a perspective he carries from his personal life to the set. The actor has expressed immense pride in his now-adult sons, praising them as empathetic and decent human beings. In 2021, his younger son, Bo Bear, made the decision to move to Chicago to live with him, a move Beghe described as an “honor,” as reported by People.
Marina Squerciati: From Officer Burgess to Proud Mom
Since the very first episode, Marina Squerciati has captivated audiences as Officer Kim Burgess. Her character’s journey included becoming the adoptive mother of Makayla in season 8, a storyline that mirrored Squerciati’s own experience as a mother. Off-screen, Squerciati is a dedicated mother to two daughters, whom she shares with her husband, Eli Kay-Oliphant. Their first daughter was welcomed in 2017, and the couple maintains a private life for their children, keeping their names out of the public eye.
Fans were delightfully surprised when Squerciati revealed on New Year’s Eve 2024 that she had welcomed her second baby. Sharing a photo of her baby bump on Instagram, she explained, “2024 was a BIG year for me, literally,” further adding, “PS. THIS was the real reason I wasn’t in the first two episodes of #ChicagoPD, I was having a baby.” Her dedication to her family, while balancing a demanding acting career, offers an inspiring glimpse into the lives of the stars.
LaRoyce Hawkins: Fatherhood Fueling Atwater’s Authenticity
LaRoyce Hawkins, known for his long-standing portrayal of Officer Kevin Atwater, found his perspective on acting significantly deepened after becoming a father. Hawkins welcomed his son, Roman, in 2017, an event he recalls fondly, noting that many of his castmates were aware and supportive during that time. Roman’s birth marked a pivotal moment, shaping both his personal life and his approach to his role.
Hawkins shared in a 2019 interview that becoming a dad made his portrayal of Atwater “a lot more powerful,” stating, “Now I truly understand my assignment on this show.” Fatherhood has provided him with a new lens through which to tell authentic stories. Beyond acting, he acknowledges the profound personal changes, emphasizing self-improvement for his son’s sake. “I can’t teach him anything I haven’t gone through or accepted for myself,” Hawkins told Men’s Health, reflecting on how Roman’s joy has become paramount and drives his personal and professional growth.
Jon Seda: A Legacy of Acting and Fatherhood
While Jon Seda’s character, Antonio Dawson, departed Chicago P.D. after season 6, his impact on the early seasons and his personal story of fatherhood remain significant. Seda is a devoted husband to Lisa Gomez, his wife of 25 years, and a proud father of four children: daughters Jessy, Haley, and Madison, and son Jonathan.
Seda has shared how becoming a father fundamentally altered the course of his life. He recounted to the Chicago Tribune in 2000 that his son Jonathan “saved daddy’s life,” redirecting him from potentially negative patterns. This powerful sentiment highlights the transformative power of parenthood. Today, his son Jonathan is following in his footsteps as an actor, a proud legacy for Seda. The two have even shared the screen on shows like Chicago Fire and La Brea, where Jonathan played a younger version of his father’s character, as reported by Entertainment Tonight.
Parenthood Behind the Scenes
The lives of these actors, while often demanding and public, are grounded in the private joys and responsibilities of family. The profound experiences of fatherhood and motherhood not only shape their individual growth but also enrich their performances, making their characters on Chicago P.D. even more relatable and human to their dedicated fan base. It’s a testament to the powerful connection between real-life experiences and the art of storytelling, creating television that resonates deeply with audiences who value both the gritty drama and the tender humanity behind the badge.
