Jason Beghe Shares Insight on ‘Chicago P.D.’ Future Post Tracy Spiridakos’ Departure: Her Legacy Lives On

Jason Beghe Thinks Chicago P D Will Survive Tracy Spiridakos Exit

Lori Allen/NBC (2)

Jason Beghe is not concerned about Tracy Spiridakos' departure from Chicago P.D. after season 11, but he acknowledges that she will be missed.

Beghe, 64, shared exclusively with We that he prefers to think of the show as an organism rather than a family. He reflected on the various casting changes on the NBC series, noting that when someone leaves, whether it's like a child going off to college or someone passing away, the dynamics of the whole show need to adjust and it won't be the same.

Beghe, who portrays Sergeant Hank Voight, believes that Spiridakos’ impending departure from the show is not something that the team can’t overcome. He expressed confidence that they will be able to adapt and evolve despite the change.

According to Beghe, Spiridakos’ character, Hailey Upton, will continue to have a presence on the show even after her departure. This is similar to past exits of characters like Alvin Olinsky and Antonio Dawson, who have remained a part of the show in various ways.

Beghe explained that the presence of certain individuals has brought about a significant transformation within the unit, shaping its future direction and development.

In October 2023, it was announced that Spiridakos will be departing from her role as Upton in the Intelligence Unit as season 11 comes to a close. Spiridakos became part of the cast in 2017 during season 4.

Throughout her time on the show, her character developed a strong bond with Voight and had a romantic relationship with Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer).

When Soffer, 39, revealed he was leaving the show in August 2022 after being part of it for 10 seasons, fans were concerned about the impact on Halstead and Upton's relationship, and their fears turned out to be valid. In a recent episode, it was revealed that they had officially divorced due to issues arising from Halstead's extended work trip abroad. (Soffer did make a comeback to direct an episode in the 2023 season, though.)

Former Chicago P.D. star Seda, 53, exclusively told Us earlier this year that he’d be up for a comeback. While Spiridakos hasn’t publicly commented on her exit, Seda shared his thoughts on his time working on Chicago shows.

“It was a great time working on Chicago shows. It was incredible, amazing cast,” he gushed in January. “That whole universe is incredible. It was so unique.” Seda, who left the One Chicago universe in 2019, teased, “Antonio didn’t die. He’s still alive.”

Beghe shared with Us in March that the ongoing drama series is always introducing new twists and turns, a challenge that he has come to appreciate.

He emphasized the importance of embracing change and growth, stating that he continuously strives to evolve as an actor.

Beghe highlighted that stagnation is not an option for him, as he believes in constantly pushing boundaries and discovering new facets of his character.

Beghe believes that the key to life is to constantly strive to improve, learn, and grow. He emphasized that if you stop doing so, you will become stagnant and eventually perish.

In keeping Voight engaging for the audience, Beghe applies the same philosophy. He explained that by ensuring the character is evolving and showing interest in their own life, viewers are more likely to remain engaged. On the other hand, if there is no development or change in the character, watching a repeat would be just as entertaining.

Chicago P.D. airs on NBC Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

Jason Beghe's perspective on Tracy Spiridakos' departure from Chicago P.D. highlights the fluid nature of the show and the importance of embracing change. While he acknowledges that her absence will be felt, he believes that the team will adapt and evolve, just as they have done with previous departures. The presence of former characters like Alvin Olinsky and Antonio Dawson suggests that Hailey Upton's legacy will continue to influence the show's dynamics and direction.

Beghe's emphasis on growth and evolution aligns with his approach to portraying Sergeant Hank Voight. By constantly striving to develop the character and explore new facets of his personality, he keeps Voight engaging for the audience. This philosophy extends to the show as a whole, as he embraces the challenges and opportunities that come with change. Chicago P.D.'s ongoing ability to introduce fresh storylines and characters ensures its relevance and longevity in the competitive television landscape. figure for Chicago P.D. viewers.