A ‘Chicago P.D.’ Lifer, LaRoyce Hawkins Is Proud of Atwater’s Evolution

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For 12 seasons, if you’re a fan of Chicago P.D, you might have noticed that one character who consistently shines is the tall, generally reserved, but when needed, assertive Officer Kevin Atwater, portrayed by LaRoyce Hawkins.

In the Intelligence Unit, Atwater might grapple more than any other officer with the grim reality of urban decay, particularly in a metropolis like Chicago. He grapples with systemic injustices within the law and the potential perils of encountering law enforcement due to his skin color. Over time, it often appears as though Atwater has witnessed too much, yet he seldom expresses his anger or frustration towards others, especially the innocent. More often than not, he seems to internalize his pain and allow his wounds to fester, which could potentially be detrimental for a cop dealing with the pressures of his job and life in general.

For Hawkins, known for his role as Atwater, fans who have followed him may be surprised to discover that the actor’s entry into entertainment was less about the gritty world of Chicago P.D. and more about lighthearted experiences that eventually led him to embrace darkness. The Hollywood Reporter sat down with Hawkins in his beloved city to discuss his lengthy tenure on Chicago P.D., how a fictional police sergeant played a crucial role in his personal and professional growth, why some old neighborhood companions booted him off the block, and how he came to be taken under the wing of a white family in Red Wing, Minnesota.

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What changes or developments have we seen in the character of Kevin Atwater, played by you, throughout the span of 12 seasons on Chicago P.D., given that you are one of the few original cast members?

As a dedicated fan, I take great pride in the progression of Atwater. To put it simply, I’m immensely proud of my own growth, having managed to keep pace with this dynamic entity. Each season, our collective goal is not just to improve but to push boundaries, to ask: how can we make a more significant impact? When I speak of “we,” I am referring to the unspoken bond between myself and Atwater – a partnership that continues to thrive and evolve.

I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished in my learning journey. One aspect that was challenging for me in the past, but I’m finally getting comfortable with, is accepting and embracing imperfection. For a long time, as the only Black character on our show, I felt a heavy responsibility to be perfect, both for my culture and for others. This sense of obligation led me to develop a certain self-righteousness, which, looking back, I needed to let go of. At that point in my life, I didn’t know how else to handle the situation. I was a young artist who felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Now, I’ve grown into a space where I appreciate and accept my flaws, learn from my mistakes, and show myself more kindness than before. I believe this newfound acceptance not only makes me more relatable but also helps me to grow as a person.

I wasn’t certain if I could sustain the old strategy for much longer. I’m thankful for the realization that accepting my flaws is essential, and it’s liberating to not shy away from getting messy. It takes trust in oneself to truly be oneself, something I’ve discovered by observing my cast members. Sarge (Jason Beghe as Sergeant Hank Voight) stands out as a powerful illustration of genuine vulnerability. You won’t find that without first understanding that it’s acceptable to feel fear, and only then can you label it as courage.

Was growing up in the Chicago area and being connected to those communities possibly one of the factors that increased the self-imposed pressure you felt during your initial stint on the program?

To be truthful, I believe a significant portion of the experience was mine alone. You see, not only was I the sole Black character, but I also felt like I was the lone representative from my community. That added a touch of pressure to the mix. The role brought with it a dose of nostalgia and pride that I’ll always treasure. The first time I heard “action” called out still gives me goosebumps. Normally, I don’t get nervous once I’ve decided to entertain, but stand-up comedy is my one true love, so I wasn’t scared. However, when I realized that I had to create a character people would want to watch week after week, invest in, and root for – whether they saw the character win or lose – I became extremely anxious. It wasn’t until I arrived on set that I understood the immense responsibility I had, as there was an ongoing engagement that relied on my performance.

As a dedicated viewer, I’ve grown up cherishing the characters that television has brought into my life. It’s easy to overlook the intense pressure these individuals face daily, as they stand on the brink of creating something eternal with each take. Every decision about a moment in the show is crucial; if you’re not properly prepared for it, the outcome might be something you’re not entirely proud of.

At some stage, I transitioned into being a father. It’s important to me that the performances I give on screen are something my family can take pride in, something my son can watch, admire, and value. I trust my abilities more than ever before, and I can only hope that this confidence shines through in my work.

In what way does your affection for humor aid you in portraying Atwater, especially considering the heavy themes and potential grimness that Chicago P.D. may delve into each Wednesday?

From watching the show, I’ve picked up a valuable lesson: learning to truly accept and understand darkness is essential to fully appreciate light. In a similar vein, it’s my innate light that helps me identify and comprehend darkness. The talent I’ve developed from my stand-up background is timing. A comedic storyteller needs precise timing to succeed on stage, and this skill transfers into many of these moments. This ability can’t be taught; it requires practice and experience. Therefore, I don’t switch off my comedy mind when doing drama. Instead, I selectively use what I need and hope for the best.

Previously in the third episode of this season, Atwater was introduced to a significant romantic interest – forensic psychologist Valerie Soto, portrayed by Natalee Linez. Can we anticipate further development in this relationship?

[Smiles] Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely! Soto is making a comeback, and I appreciate the insights her character has offered us. For quite some time, Atwater has been quite adept at holding onto things, and I believe he could benefit from learning to let go. To progress into the next stage, one must release certain burdens. That’s the lesson we’ve learned through her character. I’m thankful for this growth. As an actor, I genuinely relish working with Natalee Linez, and we can anticipate seeing her again soon.

As someone who’s played a character rooted in Chicago, an African American police officer, and spent most of my life immersed in its vibrant culture, I’ve had a deep, profound connection with this city. It’s more than just a backdrop for me; it’s a part of who I am. Of course, I have my charitable community engagements, but the question lingers: Could I ever leave Chi-town on a personal or professional level?

The thought crosses my mind from time to time, but the city’s pulse beats in my heart. There’s an unbreakable bond that transcends the boundaries of career and residence. It’s not just about staying entrenched; it’s about growing with the city, contributing to its growth, and being a part of its narrative. So, for now, I remain here, embracing the challenges and joys that Chi-town offers, one day at a time.

It’s been wonderful being part of this relationship! Just like Derrick Rose must have felt when returning home and playing for the Chicago Bulls, I feel a deep connection to the city that’s similar to an athlete’s bond with their city. The bond between actors and athletes in terms of the energy they get from their cities isn’t far off. I felt like a hometown hero, carrying a certain responsibility towards my community. This is why I took on this role and seized this opportunity. My aim was to create a bridge between the Black community and police culture, as I knew it was crucial and vital at that time. I hail from Harvey, Illinois, where the police aren’t always respected. I knew this role wouldn’t be universally loved or initially appealing. But I’m thankful for the opportunity to embody the character and connect with the city. As I’ve moved from Harvey to downtown, I’ve learned so much about the city, exploring various neighborhoods like the West Loop and River North. So, yes, Chicago is my homebase.

From the moment I stepped into the city, I was quickly welcomed and had no choice but to adapt. When I first moved downtown, it felt like they were saying, “You won’t be returning this way, so make sure you’re prepared for what lies ahead.” It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience being a part of Chicago, as the city has warmly accepted me. I’m truly grateful for this, as things could have easily gone differently and I’m thankful they haven’t.

In nearly every conversation I’ve had with the main actors from Chicago P.D., they all speak highly of you, praising your work.

Really? That’s love, brother!

Is there any particular cast member you gravitate to?

This bond we share is truly special; it feels like being part of an extended family. Here in Chicago, I’m surrounded by loved ones – my grandparents whom I can visit, and old friends who feel like kin. Even my workplace, despite the initial chuckle, houses a diverse group that I admire and learn from immensely.

Lately, my bond with Sarge has expanded significantly, and I’m delighted by our current interactions as he’s been an immense source of knowledge for me. He doesn’t hold back on constructive criticism either, something I value greatly. In fact, it reminds me of the guidance I received from Eriq La Salle when we worked together. Since then, I haven’t experienced such focused attention until now, and I believe this level of involvement is crucial for someone like me just starting out in this line of work. Eriq La Salle provided a similar intense mentorship during our time together.

Ever since our first day together, it feels like Patty (Patrick John Flueger, who plays Officer Adam Ruzek) and I have been more like brothers. During Thanksgiving, I often head over to the Fluegers in Red Wing, where they’ve warmly welcomed me as their unique family member, jokingly referring to me as their only Black child (laughs). That’s pretty cool! As for Detective Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati), we both became parents around the same time. My son is just a week older than her daughter, and that shared experience is something priceless.

What does life look like for Atwater in the near future? And what are your next moves?

Above all else, regarding this chance, for both LaRoyce and Atwater, what truly matters is ensuring we clean every last bit of reward from the table. Our goal is to fully exploit this opportunity and nurture the seed we’ve sown so that it blossoms into whatever the next task may be.

Frankly speaking, it’s quite challenging to find the right words, but I must say, my time working on this project has been absolutely extraordinary! I believe the influence we’ve had is truly profound, whether you’re a Black first responder or someone contemplating criminal activities. I think you could relate to the stories that unfold in Atwater, and I appreciate that connection. I think the character will be remembered as a significant milestone in television history. And I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to contribute to this project, which is nothing short of remarkable. I owe this experience to Dick Wolf and Wolf Entertainment, being part of their work is truly exceptional.

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New episodes of Chicago P.D. air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC

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2025-02-13 07:26