LaRoyce Hawkins, born May 4, 1988, in Harvey, Illinois, is officially exiting NBC’s Chicago P.D. after 13 seasons as Officer Kevin Atwater. He wrapped filming his final scenes in mid-August 2026 and will return for the opening episodes of Season 14 to conclude his storyline. The departure marks the end of an era for one of the procedural drama’s original main cast members.
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Latest Exit News and Timeline
- Departure Confirmed: In July 2026, entertainment reports confirmed that Hawkins would exit Chicago P.D. as a series regular after 13 seasons, returning only to wrap up Atwater’s storyline early in Season 14.
- Filming Completed: Cast and crew marked Hawkins’ final day on set in mid-August 2026 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, celebrating his 200+ episode tenure.
- Broadcast Schedule: Season 14 premieres on October 7, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET. Atwater’s farewell will take place within the opening two to three episodes.
- Network Statement: NBC and Wolf Entertainment have not publicly cited a specific reason for Hawkins’ departure, and producers are keeping the exact narrative exit under wraps.
Who Is LaRoyce Hawkins?
LaRoyce Hawkins is an American actor, stand-up comedian, spoken-word artist, and musician. A native of Harvey, Illinois, he has spent over a decade anchoring the One Chicago franchise while expanding into independent film, comedy tours, and youth mentorship across the Midwest.
Early Life and Education
- Childhood: Raised in Harvey on Chicago’s South Side, Hawkins lived with his grandparents until age 13, frequently crediting their guidance for his disciplined work ethic.
- Forensics & Acting: At Thornton Township High School, he captured the Illinois High School Association state championship in Original Comedy on the speech team.
- Higher Education: He earned a full-tuition scholarship to Illinois State University, majoring in acting and performing in classical productions such as August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
The Role That Defined a Decade: Kevin Atwater
Hawkins debuted the character of Kevin Atwater on Chicago Fire in 2013 before transitioning into the founding cast of Chicago P.D. when it premiered in 2014.
- Franchise Integration: Appeared regularly across Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med during high-stakes crossover episodes.
- Intelligence Unit: Evolved from a District 21 patrol officer into an indispensable investigator under Sgt. Hank Voight.
- Character Themes: Atwater frequently served as the moral anchor of the squad, navigating the intersection between police accountability and his identity within the Black community.
Season 13 Setup for Exit
In Season 13, Atwater reconnected with Officer Tasha Fox (Karen Obilom), who later moved to Florida and revealed she was pregnant with their child. While this emotional arc sets up a plausible narrative path for Atwater to relocate to Miami, the writers’ room has kept the exact storyline guarded until Season 14 airs.
Film, Television, and Creative Credits
Beyond his flagship network role, Hawkins has built a versatile acting and performance résumé:
- Marvel Cinematic Universe: Portrayed Gary Williams in Marvel Television’s streaming series Ironheart.
- Comedy & Drama Series: Recurring role as Michael “Shaw” Owens on HBO Max’s South Side (2019–2022); guest roles in Power Book IV: Force, Ballers, House of Payne, and Detroit 1-8-7.
- Feature Films: Made his debut as Art Baker in The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008); appeared in The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, North of the 10, and Hands Up.
- Music & Spoken Word: Veteran stand-up comedian and spoken-word performer; released the independent music album Clef Notes.
- Philanthropy: Founder of the Be Powerful initiative, focusing on youth mentorship, arts education, and urban revitalization projects throughout the greater Chicago area.
Why the Exit Matters for Chicago P.D.
Hawkins’ departure marks the loss of one of the few remaining original cast members from the show’s 2014 premiere. His exit, alongside other recent cast changes across the One Chicago slate, transitions the Intelligence Unit into a new structural chapter heading into late 2026.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | LaRoyce Hawkins |
| Born | May 4, 1988 (Harvey, Illinois) |
| Primary Role | Officer Kevin Atwater (Chicago P.D., 2014–2026) |
| Education | Illinois State University (B.S. in Acting) |
| Notable Credits | Ironheart, South Side, The Express, Power Book IV: Force |
| Creative Disciplines | Stand-up comedy, spoken word, music (Clef Notes) |
| Nonprofit Work | Founder, Be Powerful Initiative |
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