Chicago PD has struck gold with Kiana Cook, the latest addition to the cast. It was always going to be tricky to replace Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos), and while Upton will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans, Cook has proved that there are equally engaging alternatives.
The character has quickly proven herself to be a shot in the arm for IU. Her interactions with the rest of the ensemble cast has been entertaining, and her skills in the field have made her invaluable in the more action-packed scenes. Here's the thing, though. Cook may be new to One Chicago, but actress who plays her, Toya Turner, is not.
Toya Turner debuted on Chicago Fire in 2014
Turner is actually on the short list of actors who have appeared on all three One Chicago shows. The actress made her franchise debut back in 2014, when she had a bit part on the Chicago Fire episode "Tonight's the Night." Turner played a character named Peaches the Prostitute, though you would be forgiven for forgetting, since she has very little screen time.
Turner returned to play a character named Jayna Miles in the Chicago Med episode "Soul Care." The episode aired in 2016, and revolved around the complicated relationship between Dr. Manning (Torrey DeVitto) and medical student Jeff Clarke (Jeff Hephner). Turner's part was once again brief, but her return to the franchise suggested that she was being touted for something more significant.
Dick Wolf has a reputation for "testing" actors out in small roles before transitioning them to starring roles. We have seen it executed countless times over the years. One could make a very long list of the actors who appeared in bit parts on a One Chicago show before landing a starring role within the very same television universe.
The actress likens One Chicago to a family
Turner's Chicago PD co-star, Benjamin Levy Aguilar, is one of these actors. Aguilar made his Chicago PD debut in the 2019 episode "Doubt." He played a character named Franco Chavaro, only to go away and come back as Officer Dante Torres in 2022.
Turner spoke with CinemaBlend about the process of joining One Chicago proper, and she likened it to being part of a family. She made it clear that her veteran co-stars welcomed her with open arms, and made her feel as though she'd always been an IU member.
"We are like family already, so that feels really, really nice," the actress noted. "I just think they've made it easy for me to feel supported. I appreciate that." We hope Kiana Cook remains a central part of the Chicago PD family for seasons to come!