What Happened to LaRoyce Hawkins?
LaRoyce Hawkins, known for his role as Officer Kevin Atwater on NBC's 'Chicago P.D.', is confirmed to be exiting the series in its 14th season after 13 years. His departure, announced on July 2, 2026, will see his character's storyline conclude in the first few episodes of the upcoming season, likely involving a move to Miami with his pregnant former flame, Tasha Fox.
Quick Answer
LaRoyce Hawkins is confirmed to be leaving 'Chicago P.D.' in Season 14, making his exit after 13 seasons as Officer Kevin Atwater. The news broke on July 2, 2026, with reports indicating he will appear in the first two or three episodes of the new season to wrap up his character's storyline. This storyline involves Atwater's former love interest, Tasha Fox, being pregnant with his child, suggesting a potential move to Miami for his character.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline9 events
LaRoyce Hawkins Born
LaRoyce C. Hawkins was born in Harvey, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago.
Film Debut in 'The Express'
Hawkins made his film debut playing Art Baker in 'The Express: The Ernie Davis Story' while still a student at Illinois State University.
First Appearance as Kevin Atwater on 'Chicago Fire'
Hawkins was cast as Officer Kevin Atwater and first appeared in a recurring role on 'Chicago Fire', setting the stage for the spin-off.
'Chicago P.D.' Premieres, Hawkins Joins Main Cast
LaRoyce Hawkins became a main cast member on 'Chicago P.D.' as Officer Kevin Atwater when the series premiered, spun off from 'Chicago Fire'.
Joins HBO's 'Ballers'
Hawkins took on a recurring role as a football player in Dwayne Johnson's comedy-drama series 'Ballers' for HBO, expanding his acting portfolio.
Appears in 'Chicago Med' Crossovers
Hawkins began appearing in a recurring role in the second 'One Chicago' spin-off, 'Chicago Med', further integrating his character into the franchise.
Atwater's Pregnancy Storyline Begins
In 'Chicago P.D.' Season 13, Episode 11, Kevin Atwater's former flame, Tasha Fox, returns to reveal she is pregnant with his child, initiating a major personal storyline for the character.
LaRoyce Hawkins' Exit from 'Chicago P.D.' Announced
Multiple industry reports confirm that LaRoyce Hawkins will be exiting 'Chicago P.D.' in Season 14 after 13 seasons, with his character's storyline concluding early in the season.
Chicago P.D. Season 14 Premiere
Season 14 of 'Chicago P.D.' is scheduled to premiere, where LaRoyce Hawkins is expected to appear in the first two or three episodes to conclude Kevin Atwater's storyline.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
LaRoyce Hawkins, a foundational member of the 'Chicago P.D.' ensemble since its inception, is set to depart the long-running NBC police procedural in its 14th season. The announcement, widely reported on July 2, 2026, marks a significant shake-up for the 'One Chicago' franchise, as Hawkins was one of only a few original cast members remaining. He originated the role of Officer Kevin Atwater on 'Chicago Fire' in 2013 before transitioning to 'Chicago P.D.' as a series regular when it premiered in 2014.
The decision to write out Atwater comes after a pivotal storyline in Season 13, particularly in Episode 11, where his former flame, Officer Tasha Fox, returned to reveal she was pregnant with his child. This development, which saw Atwater contemplating his future and a potential move to Miami, laid the groundwork for his eventual exit. While he initially declined an offer to move to Miami, the pregnancy news provided a clear narrative path for his character's departure. Hawkins is expected to appear in the first two or three episodes of Season 14 to conclude Atwater's arc, with details surrounding the exact nature of his farewell still being finalized.
Hawkins' departure is part of a broader trend of cast changes within 'Chicago P.D.' and the 'One Chicago' universe, following recent exits by fellow original cast members Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) and Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton). His long tenure on the show, spanning 13 seasons, made him a beloved figure among fans, and his character, Kevin Atwater, evolved from a patrol officer to a respected member of the Intelligence Unit, often grappling with complex moral and ethical dilemmas within the police force.
Beyond 'Chicago P.D.', Hawkins has maintained an active career, with roles in HBO's 'Ballers' and 'South Side', and films like 'The Express' and 'The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain'. His exit from 'Chicago P.D.' is seen by some analysts as a mutual decision, potentially allowing Hawkins to pursue new creative endeavors after over a decade in the same role, while also enabling the showrunners to introduce new characters and storylines. The series is reportedly already casting a new Black police officer character, described as an 'agent of chaos,' to join the cast following Hawkins' departure.
As of July 2, 2026, the 'Chicago P.D.' fandom is reacting to the news, anticipating how Atwater's storyline will be resolved and what new dynamics will emerge in Season 14, which is scheduled to premiere on October 7. Hawkins himself has not yet publicly addressed his departure, but his impact on the series and its portrayal of policing in Chicago is undeniable.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if LaRoyce Hawkins made different choices?