Is LaRoyce Hawkins leaving Chicago PD?

Kevin Atwater is at a crossroads. The cop is reeling from the guilt of a botched case in which an informant killed a drug dealer, and the personal fallout of his break up with his girlfriend Celeste (Amanda Payton).

Atwater finally came clean to Celeste about his being a police officer, and while the honesty was appreciated, the fact that it took him so long to open up basically doomed their romance.

He’s at an all time low, and some fans are questioning whether the character and the actor who plays him, LaRoyce Hawkins, is leaving Chicago PD. Here’s what you need to know:

Is Atwater leaving Chicago PD?

No, thankfully Hawkins is not going anywhere. The actor has not mentioned having any problems with the cast or crew, and outlets have not leaked any information regarding contract disputes. He is going to be part of the show for the foreseeable future, and his character is merely in the midst of a rough patch.

During a recent interview with TV Line, Hawkins confirmed that he would be sticking around, and hinted at a possible reconciliation between his character and Celeste. “I think if they give each other enough time and then they process the situation, they should be able to find themselves or at least cross paths,” he explained.

Atwater has had a bumpy romantic history on Chicago PD, so it makes sense that he struggles to make sense of his relationship with Celeste, who he’s clicked with on a more profound level than the women before her.

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Hawkins noted that the writing for the character will take a different direction moving ahead, and that his own personal experiences will be informing some of his onscreen choices.

"“I don’t have the most experience making the best decisions in relationships”, he told TV Insider. “So I’m learning a lot through Atwater and how important it is for him to stand in front of the truth, every time he gets a chance, whether it’s against the blue wall or in his personal relationships.”"

So not only will Hawkins be sticking around, but he will get a chance to inject more of himself and his own life into the character, and we’re thrilled by the possibility. The rest of season 9 will be a pivotal stretch for Atwater, and one that will certainly rank among the best arcs the character has ever had.

For the latest Chicago PD season 9 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.