The Chicago P.D. family is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most beloved original stars.
Just days after reports confirmed that LaRoyce Hawkins will be leaving NBC’s hit police drama during Season 14, longtime co-star Marina Squerciati shared an emotional tribute that has fans feeling even more sentimental about the end of an era. (People.com)
Squerciati, who has starred alongside Hawkins since the show’s 2014 debut, took to social media to honor her friend and castmate following the shocking announcement.
According to the tribute, Marina reflected on Hawkins’ incredible journey with the series and expressed her appreciation for the years they spent working together. Fans quickly flooded the comments with messages thanking the duo for helping build one of television’s most successful police dramas. (Facebook)
An Original Cast Member Is Saying Goodbye
Hawkins has portrayed Officer Kevin Atwater since Chicago P.D. premiered over a decade ago, making him one of the final remaining original members of the Intelligence Unit.
Reports indicate Hawkins will return for the first few episodes of Season 14 to properly conclude Atwater’s storyline before officially exiting the series. (People.com)
His departure follows several major exits over the years, including:
- Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead)
- Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton)
- Sophia Bush (Erin Lindsay)
- Jon Seda (Antonio Dawson)
- Elias Koteas (Alvin Olinsky)
Now, another cornerstone of the franchise is preparing to leave.
Why Fans Are So Emotional
Kevin Atwater has become one of the most respected characters in the One Chicago universe.
Throughout 13 seasons, viewers watched Atwater evolve from a young patrol officer into one of Intelligence’s strongest investigators while tackling some of the show’s most meaningful stories involving policing, race, loyalty, family, and justice.
Many fans believe Atwater represented the heart of the Intelligence Unit, making Hawkins’ departure especially difficult to accept.
Social media quickly filled with reactions ranging from disbelief to heartbreak as longtime viewers thanked the actor for his unforgettable run.
How Kevin Atwater Could Exit
While NBC has not officially confirmed exactly how Kevin Atwater leaves Chicago, Season 13 may have already laid the groundwork.
Atwater recently rekindled his romance with Officer Tasha Fox, who later revealed she is pregnant with their first child after relocating to Miami for work.
Many fans believe Atwater will choose family over Chicago, relocating to Miami to begin a new chapter with Tasha and their baby—a storyline that would provide a hopeful ending while leaving the door open for future guest appearances. (People.com)
Marina and LaRoyce’s Friendship Goes Beyond the Screen
For years, Marina Squerciati and LaRoyce Hawkins have shared countless behind-the-scenes moments that showcased their close friendship.
Whether filming emotional storylines or joking together between takes, the pair became fan favorites both on and off screen.
That’s why Marina’s goodbye message resonated so deeply with viewers.
Many fans described her tribute as the perfect reflection of the family atmosphere that has helped Chicago P.D. remain one of NBC’s biggest dramas for more than a decade. (Facebook)
What’s Next for Chicago P.D.?
Season 14 will undoubtedly look different.
Jason Beghe, Marina Squerciati, Patrick John Flueger, Amy Morton, Benjamin Levy Aguilar, and the rest of the Intelligence Unit will continue the story, but replacing an original cast member like Hawkins won’t be easy.
Reports also suggest the series is casting a new regular character following Hawkins’ departure, signaling another major evolution for the long-running franchise. (EW.com)
Fans Are Thanking LaRoyce Hawkins for 13 Incredible Seasons
Although saying goodbye is never easy, fans across social media have focused on celebrating Hawkins’ incredible legacy.
After more than a decade of unforgettable performances, Kevin Atwater leaves behind one of the most beloved character arcs in Chicago P.D. history.
Marina Squerciati’s heartfelt farewell only reinforced what fans have known for years: the cast’s bond extends far beyond the cameras, making this departure feel personal for everyone who has followed the series since the beginning.
As Season 14 approaches, viewers will be watching closely to see how the Intelligence Unit says goodbye to one of its most iconic officers—and one of the final original faces of Chicago P.D.. (People.com)
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