Chicago PD alum Jesse Lee Soffer plans to lead his own show
Jesse Lee Soffer, you’ll be missed. The actor is still in the mix on Chicago PD, but not in front of the camera. He’s decided to step away from the show and the role that made him famous in order to pursue other career ventures.
It’s understandable, given the ten years that Soffer has given over to the show, but it has been tough to move on without his character. The way that the writing team has dealt with his being gone has also been polarizing, with many feeling that Jay Halstead’s offscreen actions fail to line up with his onscreen persona.
What is Jesse Lee Soffer’s new show?
As it stands, though, Halstead is out of the picture, and Soffer is turning his attention towards projects that challenge him artistically. What kind of challenge, you might ask? Well, leading his own TV show for one.
The actor had nothing but kind words for the cast and crew of PD. He likened them to family on several occasions, and it’s clear based on his directing stint that he continues to have a strong connection with them. Part of what makes PD work, in Soffer’s opinion, is this team mentality.
“PD is an ensemble — Jason [Beghe]’s definitely the lead and the strong patriarch on that show”, the actor told Variety. Halstead served as the right hand man of Beghe’s character, Voight, for most of his time on the show, and their chemistry ranked among the best elements of the show.
Watch One Chicago on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
When asked about the possibility of taking center stage, however, Soffer said he would be thrilled. “I definitely think I’m ready to be a lead on a show and to have my own show”, he affirmed. “I’d put all of my heart and soul into it.”
While it’s tough to hear that Soffer is done with Chicago PD, to the point that he’s seeking out new projects, it is nice to know that he’s eager to challenge himself as an actor. We can’t wait to see what he does next.
Next. Was Halstead in the 200th episode?. dark
For the latest Chicago PD spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.