LaRoyce Hawkins has become one of the most recognizable faces in the One Chicago universe thanks to his longtime portrayal of Officer Kevin Atwater on NBC’s Chicago P.D. Born on May 4, 1988, in Harvey, Illinois, Hawkins was raised primarily by his grandparents, an experience he has often credited with shaping his character, values, and work ethic. Growing up just outside Chicago gave him a close connection to the city that would later become the setting for the role that changed his life. Beyond acting, Hawkins is also a comedian, spoken word artist, musician, and proud father to his son, Roman.
Hawkins discovered his passion for performing while attending Thornton High School, where he excelled in speech competitions before studying theater at Illinois State University. He began building his résumé with appearances in television series and films, including The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Detroit 1-8-7, and Underemployed. His big break came in 2013 when he was introduced as Kevin Atwater on Chicago Fire, paving the way for him to become one of the original stars of Chicago P.D. the following year.
Since the series premiered in 2014, Hawkins has appeared in more than 250 episodes of Chicago P.D., making Kevin Atwater one of the show’s longest running and most beloved characters. Over the years, viewers have watched Atwater grow from a patrol officer into one of the Intelligence Unit’s most respected detectives. Known for his integrity, compassion, and willingness to stand up for what he believes in, Atwater became a fan favorite through storylines that explored his career, family, friendships, and personal growth. Hawkins’ performance has consistently been praised for bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the role.
In addition to Chicago P.D., Hawkins has appeared in numerous crossover episodes of Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, becoming a familiar face throughout the One Chicago franchise. Away from the franchise, he has continued to expand his acting career with roles in projects such as South Side and Marvel’s Ironheart, proving his versatility while remaining committed to the character that made him a household name.
After more than a decade on the series, Hawkins is preparing to say goodbye to Chicago P.D. Reports indicate that he will appear in the first few episodes of Season 14 before Kevin Atwater’s story reaches its conclusion. While NBC and the creative team have not shared specific details about the storyline, there has been no indication that the departure was due to behind the scenes issues. Instead, it appears to be a creative decision as the series enters a new chapter. Many fans believe Atwater’s evolving relationship with Officer Tasha Fox could play a role in his farewell, although the details remain a closely guarded secret.
Although his time as a series regular is coming to an end, LaRoyce Hawkins leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. As one of the final original cast members, he helped shape the identity of Chicago P.D. for more than 13 seasons and became one of the franchise’s most respected and admired stars. With former One Chicago cast members returning for guest appearances over the years, many fans remain hopeful that Kevin Atwater’s story may not be over forever. For now, viewers are preparing to celebrate one of the show’s most unforgettable characters as Hawkins closes an important chapter in his remarkable career.