“`html
This article discusses sensitive topics such as sexual harassment, assault, child abuse, addiction, and mental health issues.
The “One Chicago” franchise has captivated audiences for more than ten years, starting with “Chicago Fire” in 2012 and soon followed by “Chicago P.D.” This show, centered on the officers of the 21st District precinct, was introduced in a special episode of “Chicago Fire,” which set the stage for its own success.
“Chicago P.D.” presents a mix of the personal and professional experiences of its team, including the notable Intelligence Unit led by Hank Voight (portrayed by Jason Beghe). The cast also features Amy Morton, Patrick John Flueger, Marina Squerciati, and LaRoyce Hawkins. Over the years, the series has welcomed many guest stars, including Carl Weathers from “The Mandalorian,” while also witnessing the exit of key characters like Sophia Bush and Jesse Lee Soffer, known for their on-screen romance as “Linstead.”
While the series is packed with action, it has also dealt with very emotional plots, including the significant deaths of characters like Nadia Decotis and Alvin Olinsky, which deeply affected the narrative. This blend of drama and heartache has kept “Chicago P.D.” a favorite among viewers, ranking among the top network dramas still airing. Tragically, the darker elements of the show have impacted the real lives of its cast members. Continue reading for more insights into the heart-wrenching stories surrounding the cast of “Chicago P.D.”
Jason Beghe’s life-threatening car accident
Before joining the “One Chicago” family, Jason Beghe had an extensive background playing law enforcement roles, including appearances in “Quantum Leap,” “The Lyon’s Den,” and “Prime Suspect.” His most notable role became Hank Voight in “Chicago P.D.”
Beghe has won acclaim for his performance as Voight, but a serious car crash in 1999 nearly kept him from landing this pivotal role. He survived a life-threatening accident where he broke multiple bones and was left in a coma for weeks. In an interview, Beghe recounted, “I was in a very serious car accident in ’99 — broke my neck, my back in a couple of places, all of my ribs, both of my lungs…” As a result, he faced life support challenges and even flatlined for a brief period. Fortunately, he made a remarkable recovery.
Sophia Bush’s departure following set assault
Sophia Bush’s exit from the show was notable, both for her character’s plot twist and her real-life struggles. After four seasons portraying Detective Erin Lindsay, she abruptly left the series to join the FBI, ending her beloved relationship with Jay Halstead without proper closure. Unbeknownst to many, Bush faced significant challenges behind the scenes leading up to her decision to leave.
In a candid podcast interview, Bush shared her experience of dealing with a toxic environment, including an incident of assault on set. She characterized her time on “Chicago P.D.” as enduring a “consistent barrage of abusive behavior” and confirmed that she had been assaulted during production, with no one in the room coming to her aid.
As she reached the midpoint of her lengthy contract, Sophia Bush recognized that her situation was untenable.
“““html
Bush Advocates for Change After Difficult Work Environment
At the end of Season 4, Bush sought a meeting with her superiors regarding the work environment on set, which she deemed unsatisfactory. After failing to see any improvements, she faced a tough decision, stating, “I said, ‘You can either let me go quietly, or I can sue the network and publish an op-ed explaining why in The New York Times.'”
Benjamin Levy Aguilar Faces Loss and Challenge in Career
Benjamin Levy Aguilar joined “Chicago P.D.” in Season 9 as Dante Torres, who temporarily assists the Intelligence Unit. Aguilar’s life mirrors some of his character’s struggles; he experienced a significant loss when his father passed away during his teenage years. Despite a nurturing home environment, this loss was a turning point in his life.
Before his father’s death, Aguilar was a promising soccer player, recruited at age 11 by AC Milan. He later shared how football helped him cope during a challenging period, stating that the sport essentially “saved” him. However, the burden of grief took a toll, especially being away from home, leading to challenges in his young career.
While he aspired to become a professional soccer player, a severe injury ultimately ended that dream, forcing him to reconsider his future.
Michael Gaston Shares Experience of Harassment
Michael Gaston, who appears in “Chicago P.D.” as Chief Patrick O’Neal, is also known for his role in “The Man in the High Castle.” His career has included significant action drama roles in various TV series and films. Gaston’s journey began in theater, where he faced a troubling incident involving sexual harassment by a director early in his career.
In 2017, Gaston publicly shared that more than twenty years prior, he was groped by a director. He reflected on the fear and humiliation he felt at the time, saying, “I was terrified and humiliated,” and shared his internal struggles in the years that followed. Learning that other actors experienced similar abuse from the same director compelled him to speak out.
Reflecting on his experience provided a profound challenge, but it was something Gaston felt needed to be addressed.
Anne Heche’s Untimely Death and Advocacy
Fans of “Chicago P.D.” will remember Anne Heche for her role as Katherine Brennan in Seasons 5 and 6. Heche was not only a talented actress known for films like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” but also a passionate advocate for mental health, sharing her own traumatic experiences.
Heche revealed on “20/20” in 2001 that she endured severe abuse from her father, Donald Heche, from a young age. She spoke candidly about her harrowing experiences, detailing how her father’s actions had affected her profoundly. This openness about her past has been part of her advocacy work, raising awareness on mental health issues.
“““html
ABC News). In a statement, her mother, Nancy Heche, refuted her daughter’s claims.
Anne Heche opened up about her battle with mental health issues stemming from childhood trauma, which led her to misuse substances like drugs and alcohol. She eventually became addicted to cocaine, occasionally driving while impaired. On August 5, 2022, Heche was involved in a series of minor collisions, including an incident with a garage door and another vehicle, culminating in a serious crash. The resulting fire significantly damaged her car and a nearby property. Heche was rescued from the wreckage and hospitalized, where she stayed for over a week before tragically passing away from her injuries on August 14.