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Behind the Scenes of Chicago P.D.: Heartbreaking Stories of the Cast

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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.

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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.

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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.

Markie Post battled cancer prior to her passing

Marjorie “Markie” Armstrong Post had a prolific acting career that spanned nearly 40 years. She gained fame for her role as Terri Michaels on ABC’s 1980s series “The Fall Guy,” and continued to act well into her 60s. Notably, she portrayed Barbara “Bunny” Fletcher, the estranged mother of Erin Lindsay, on “Chicago P.D.” from 2014 to 2017, often stirring up conflict for Erin’s character.

Following her role on “Chicago P.D.,” Post remained active, featuring in the Lifetime movie “Christmas Reservations” and guest-starring in “The Kids Are Alright,” all while grappling with a cancer diagnosis she received in late 2017. Tragically, she passed away on August 7, 2021, at the age of 70 due to complications from the illness.

Her family paid a heartfelt tribute to her, honoring not only her accomplishments in acting but also her personal qualities. “For us, our pride is rooted in who she was beyond the screen; a generous person who made cakes for friends, created home decor, and taught us to be kind and forgiving in a challenging world,” they shared (via CNN).

Mykelti Williamson faced serious accusations early in his career

Mykelti Williamson rose to fame in the early 1990s with notable roles in “Free Willy” and “Forrest Gump.” His extensive filmography suggests a smooth career progression, particularly with his role as Lieutenant Denny Woods in “Chicago P.D.” However, the late 1990s brought an unexpected legal challenge when he was implicated in a serious court case.

In January 1998, he was arrested on charges related to allegedly stalking and stabbing his ex-wife’s partner, which occurred outside her home. The victim was hospitalized in critical condition but ultimately survived. The initial charges against Williamson were reduced from attempted murder to attempted manslaughter.

Following the incident, Williamson was arrested nearby after his ex-wife reported his actions. He was subsequently released on a $180,000 bail, supported by his wife, actress Sondra Spriggs. He stated publicly, “This has all been a real big misunderstanding, and I will be vindicated” (via the Los Angeles Times). Eventually, he was acquitted of all charges.

Li Jun Li encountered severe racism following her ‘trailblazing’ role

Li Jun Li had a minor part in the fourth season of “Chicago P.D.” as officer Julie Tay, who sought to evade her male-dominated office culture while partnering with Kim Burgess. However, she gained more recognition from her performances in “Wu Assassins,” “Babylon,” and “Based on a True Story.” Among her many roles, Li cites her part in “Wu Assassins” as one of the most significant in her career. Unfortunately, she faced severe racism and backlash following her work on the series. “There were remarks comparing our show to Panda Express, highlighting the challenges we faced as an Asian American cast,” Li shared.
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Inverse.

Li Jun Li, known for her role as Jenny Wah, expressed her pride in her character, stating, “This is the first time I feel genuinely connected to a role. It reflects someone who looks and speaks like me. Although it appears to be just a martial arts show, it resonates deeply with many Asian-Americans, evident from the numerous tweets and comments I’ve received. It transcends the stereotypes of just triad criminals.” Her significant role followed a series of auditions for characters she often found hard to relate to, simply because they were the only ones available with diverse casting opportunities.

Richard Thomas recalls ‘wrecking’ his car after winning an Emmy

Prior to his role as Adam Ames on “Chicago P.D.,” Richard Thomas won the hearts of many as John-Boy Walton in “The Waltons.” After the show’s premiere, he quickly garnered recognition, receiving an Emmy nomination just a year later. Unfortunately, his night of success turned into a nightmare when he was involved in a car accident after worrying about the accolades ahead. Thomas recounted that he was caught up in thoughts about possibly winning, which distracted him from the road. “I had no clue how to handle it, then bam, I bumped into another car,” he reminisced during a 2019 interview with the Television Academy.

Despite the damages to his car, he managed to arrive at the award ceremony where, to his surprise, he won the Emmy. “I sat there, and when they called my name, I joked, ‘I just wrecked my car,’” he noted.

Charisma Carpenter opens up about health struggles linked to ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ abuse

Charisma Carpenter, known for her role as Brianna Logan in “Chicago P.D.,” first rose to fame as Cordelia Chase in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Despite long-running roles appearing as a dream opportunity, Carpenter later revealed the unpleasant realities behind the scenes. She, along with other cast members, has accused producer Joss Whedon of mistreatment during their time on the show.

Carpenter shared her experiences publicly in solidarity with Ray Fisher, who called out similar behavior on the set of “Justice League.” In a 2021 post on X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag “#IStandWithRayFisher,” she described Whedon as having abused his power, which contributed to a chronic health condition she endures today. Reports state that Whedon not only overworked her while she was pregnant but also subjected her to character defamation. Many former colleagues stood by Carpenter following her allegations, including Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz. For detailed insights into her claims against Whedon, further reading is available.

If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault, child abuse, or struggles with addiction or mental health issues, reach out to the following resources:

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