LaRoyce Hawkins Departs Chicago P.D. After 13 Seasons as Original Cast Member
LaRoyce Hawkins is leaving NBC's long-running police drama Chicago P.D. after 13 seasons in the role of Officer Kevin Atwater, which he has held since the show's premiere. The original cast member will make his departure during the upcoming 14th season, marking a significant change for the ensemble series that has relied on his character throughout its run.
Hawkins will return for the first two or three episodes of Season 14 to complete his character's storyline before his exit, rather than disappearing abruptly from the show. The network is actively casting for a new series regular to fill the vacancy left by his departure, though the specific circumstances surrounding Atwater's exit remain undisclosed.
- LaRoyce Hawkins exits Chicago P.D. after 13 seasons playing Officer Kevin Atwater
- He will appear in Season 14's opening episodes to wrap up his character's arc
- NBC is casting a replacement series regular for the police procedural
New here? Start with this
Chicago P.D. is an NBC television drama about a police intelligence unit in Chicago, following officers as they investigate serious crimes. It began in 2014 and is part of the wider Chicago franchise, which also includes Chicago Fire and Chicago Med.
LaRoyce Hawkins has played Officer Kevin Atwater since the programme began. Atwater is one of the longest-serving characters in the series, so his departure changes the group of officers at the centre of the show.
Cast changes are common in long-running television dramas, often allowing writers to develop new stories and introduce new characters. The programme’s producers will need to explain Atwater’s departure within the story while adding another regular character to the ensemble.
Coverage
- Collider — ‘Chicago P.D.’ Officially Loses One of It’s Biggest Stars After 14 Seasons
- Variety — ‘Chicago PD’ Star LaRoyce Hawkins to Exit Series in Season 14
- Deadline — ‘Chicago P.D.’ Star LaRoyce Hawkins To Leave NBC Series In Season 14