LaRoyce Hawkins, known for his role as Officer Kevin Atwater, is preparing to bid farewell to the long-running NBC series *Chicago P.D.* The actor, aged 38, has been a notable presence on the show since its inception in 2014, and his departure marks the end of an era for the police procedural drama.
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According to reports from Deadline, Hawkins will feature in the first three episodes of the upcoming 14th season. This will allow him to conclude his character’s narrative arc appropriately before exiting the series as a regular cast member. While a representative for *Chicago P.D.* refrained from commenting on the situation, it has been confirmed by multiple outlets, including PEOPLE.
Hawkins’ exit follows a trend observed with other original cast members, including Jesse Lee Soffer, who left the series in 2022, and Tracy Spiridakos, who is scheduled to depart in 2024. The loss of Hawkins signifies another shift within the cast dynamics of the show, which has captivated audiences since its debut.
In his role as Officer Atwater, Hawkins has been an integral part of the Intelligence Unit, working alongside key figures such as Adam Ruzek, played by Patrick John Flueger, and Kim Burgess, portrayed by Marina Squerciati. The interplay between these characters has been essential to the series, contributing to its engaging storylines and character development.
The 13th season of *Chicago P.D.* brought forth significant developments for Atwater, particularly in his romantic life. His relationship with Officer Tasha Fox, played by Karen Obilom, blossomed during this season, leading to a deep bond between the two. However, the relationship was tested when Tasha relocated to Miami for a career opportunity, leaving Atwater with a challenging decision. As the storyline unfolded, Tasha returned to Chicago, revealing she was pregnant, suggesting that Atwater may soon be faced with a major life change that could take him away from his familiar surroundings.
Reflecting on his tenure in the role, Hawkins shared his sentiments in an interview for PEOPLE’s upcoming edition featuring the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. He acknowledged the influence of portraying Atwater on his personal growth and professional confidence. “I’ve had some great roles over time and I’ve been able to learn from all of them in different ways,” he stated. “But the longevity and the consistency that I’ve been able to create with learning from Kevin Atwater has really strengthened my confidence more than anything.”
Hawkins expanded on the impact of portraying a first responder and the only Black officer within his unit. He described this multifaceted role as crucial to his development as an actor and professional, stating that it fostered a deep sense of gratitude for his abilities. He appreciated the opportunity to grow alongside his character over the years, asserting that the long duration of the show has afforded him the chance to enhance his performance skills and comfort in front of the camera.
As Season 14 of *Chicago P.D.* approaches, set to premiere on Wednesday, 7 October, fans will soon witness Hawkins’ final appearances on the show. His departure presents both a moment of reflection and anticipation, prompting viewers to question how Atwater’s storyline will conclude and what the future holds for the acclaimed series.
The forthcoming season is likely to explore the consequences of Atwater’s decisions and the overall shifts in the team dynamics within the unit. Given the strong fan base and emotional investment in the characters, Hawkins’ exit is expected to evoke a significant response from the audience.
As the show adapts to these changes, it remains to be seen how the remaining cast members will navigate the evolving landscape of *Chicago P.D.* while continuing to engage fans with compelling narratives. For now, fans are eager to see how they will say goodbye to one of the series’ most beloved characters, Officer Kevin Atwater.