The title of People’s Sexiest Man Alive might have gone to Jonathan Bailey, but the annual celebration of the year’s most charismatic and talked-about men in entertainment gave some well-deserved props to a member of the Chicago PD cast as well!
Among the incredible men celebrated on this year’s list is Chicago PD star LaRoyce Hawkins, who is part of an elite group of TV cops spotlighted in the list. This list includes Law & Order: Organized Crime’s Christopher Meloni, The Rookie’s Nathan Fillion, and Criminal Minds: Evolution’s Alex Rodriguez.
It’s an honor that Hawkins finds extremely flattering, but hard to believe – a feeling he believes his Chicago PD character, Kevin Atwater, would share if bestowed with the same honor.
"I think Kevin is similar to myself. He would find it hard to believe, you know what I mean?" Hawkins told People when asked how Atwater would react to the news. "He doesn't really believe the hype — but it is extremely flattering. Extremely flattering."
For Hawkins, it’s a meaningful moment that proves how far he’s come since the early days of the show, when he was given a hurtful nickname of “Fatwater.” As Hawkins revealed in the profile, he used to be called Fatwater because he was “a lot thicker, a little more round back then.” The nickname, which he admits was used jokingly, though even if it was a joke it was a cruel one, did motivate him to adapt a healthier lifestyle which he’s grateful for.
"I like to think that it's definitely done a great thing for me and just my health overall… I feel so much better than I did when I started the show. I didn't even know — not that I felt bad — I just didn't know how much better I could feel. 13 seasons later, you could just see the difference. I'm very grateful for everything that I've learned and the new habits that I've been able to pick up."
While Hawkins most certainly looks incredible, it’s not exactly breaking news — the man’s been a heartthrob from day one. And fans certainly share this sentiment.
“God drew a masterpiece when he created you!” wrote one fan celebrating Hawkins’ place on People’s Sexiest Man Alive. “We’ve been saying this for years, but nice of people to catch up,” wrote another fan.
We here at One Chicago Center love seeing Hawkins get his well-earned recognition in this year’s People’s Sexiest Man Alive issue! Hawkins has always been overlooked, even at times on the show, and it's incredible to see him finally getting some recognition!
It's not just his appearance that makes Atwater one of TV's sexiest cops -- though we're certainly not arguing with his credentials in that department. Atwater's strong and capable under pressure, yet deeply empathetic and loyal to those he cares about, with an unwavering moral compass that makes him irresistible. He's not afraid to be vulnerable, which is one of his sexiest qualities.