Inside the Family Lives of the “Chicago P.D.” Cast

The long-running NBC series “Chicago P.D.” returned for its 14th season on October 7, bringing with it some familiar faces from the show’s dedicated cast. Among them are Jason Beghe and Marina Squerciati, both of whom are not only talented professionals but also devoted parents. Their roles on-screen as rugged police officers are counterbalanced by their nurturing parenting styles off-screen.

Jason Beghe has portrayed the tough-as-nails Sergeant Hank Voight since the series first aired in 2014. While Voight’s character navigates the complexities of law enforcement, Beghe embraces a softer, fatherly approach when it comes to mentoring his younger co-stars. He has taken an interest in learning from them, reflecting a philosophy he applies to his own parenting. “Just like my own kids, they’re better than I am,” he remarked during a podcast interview in March 2021. He expressed pride in his sons, Bix and Bo Bear, remarking on their empathy and decency.

The actor’s dedication as a father has at times been challenged by the demands of filming in Chicago. Beghe candidly shared that being away from his children, especially during his marriage to Angie Janu, was difficult. However, he found joy in the precious time they were able to share, which he valued deeply. More recently, Beghe has had the joy of having Bo move in with him to finish school, a transition he described as rewarding for both father and son.

Similarly, Marina Squerciati, who has delighted fans with her portrayal of Kim Burgess, has made motherhood a significant part of her life. Since launching her career on “Chicago P.D.,” Squerciati has juggled the challenges of being a working parent while maintaining her character’s emotional depth on-screen. She and husband Eli Kay-Oliphant welcomed their first child in 2017 and surprised fans last December by announcing the arrival of their second child.

Squerciati has chosen to keep details about her children private, reflecting a common practice among celebrities who wish to shield their families from public scrutiny. Her on-screen role as the adoptive mother to Makayla has resonated with her experiences in her own life, allowing her to bring authenticity to her character’s storyline.

LaRoyce Hawkins, another prominent cast member known for his role as Kevin Atwater, has also embraced fatherhood. He became a father in 2017 with the birth of his son, Roman, and has shared how this milestone has deeply impacted his acting. Hawkins believes that being a parent has infused his portrayal of Atwater with greater depth and emotion. He recognises the responsibility that comes with being a role model for his son and emphasises the importance of personal growth in the journey of parenthood.

Jon Seda, who played Antonio Dawson in the series until season six, is another dedicated father. He is married to Lisa Gomez and they have four children: Jon Jr., Jessy, Haley, and Madison. Seda has spoken openly about how fatherhood changed the course of his life, helping him to prioritise his family over the negative patterns he was adopting in his youth. He has been a guiding force for his son Jon Jr., who is now exploring acting himself and has had opportunities to work alongside his father in various productions.

The blend of professional and personal lives among the cast members of “Chicago P.D.” demonstrates the significant ways that family shapes their experiences both on and off the screen. As the show progresses into its 14th season, the changing dynamics within the storyline reflect the very personal changes that the cast members experience in their own lives as parents.

Showrunner Gwen Sigan hinted that this season promises to explore profound changes for each character, eliciting a sense of anticipation among viewers and parents alike. The cast’s genuine commitment to their roles and their families lends an added layer of authenticity to the narratives they portray, highlighting the convergence of their professional and personal journeys.

As the series continues, fans can look forward to witnessing how these actors balance their dual identities of police officers on television and nurturing parents in real life, enriching both the stories depicted and the bonds they share with their children.