LaRoyce Hawkins, celebrated for his role as Officer Kevin Atwater on NBC’s Chicago P.D., is more than just an actor. Born on May 4, 1988, Hawkins is also a stand-up comedian, spoken word artist, and musician. Beyond his on-screen charisma, his life story reveals the resilience, dedication, and depth that define his personality. His success spans over a decade, and he brings authenticity to each performance, especially on Chicago P.D., which recently entered its twelfth season.
Early Life and Influences
Raised in Harvey, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, LaRoyce Hawkins spent much of his childhood with his grandparents. Their influence instilled values of strength, patience, and perseverance in him and his siblings. Reflecting on his upbringing, Hawkins credits his grandparents as the bedrock of his character, shaping his perspective on family, responsibility, and ambition.
Hawkins attended Thornton High School, where his initial passion was basketball. However, a pivotal moment came when his grandfather encouraged him to “choose what makes you feel better.” He took his advice to heart, left the basketball team, and joined the speech team. His natural talent for performance and oratory flourished; Hawkins became a two-time state champion in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) competitions. In 2005, he won the Original Comedy event, and the following year, he took the state title in Humorous Duet Acting.
The Path to Acting: From Theatre Arts to Chicago P.D.
After high school, Hawkins pursued theater arts at Illinois State University on a full scholarship. This academic path deepened his understanding of performance and storytelling. One of his early roles was in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, where he portrayed Toledo, a character that allowed him to showcase his depth as an actor.
During his college years, Hawkins landed a role in the biographical film The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, where he played Art Baker, a teammate of Ernie Davis. This experience marked his entry into Hollywood, affirming his decision to pursue acting professionally. After a brief break from college, he returned to complete his degree in 2012. Hawkins also became a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, embracing its values of friendship and service, which aligned with his personal philosophy.
Breakthrough with Chicago P.D. and Other Notable Roles
Before his defining role on Chicago P.D., Hawkins appeared in various TV series, including HBO’s Ballers, TBS’s Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, MTV’s Underemployed, and ABC’s Detroit 1-8-7. These experiences honed his skills and broadened his versatility.
The role of Kevin Atwater in Chicago P.D. became a breakthrough for Hawkins. His portrayal of a determined yet compassionate police officer earned widespread praise. The show’s success allowed him to develop the character over multiple seasons and portray the complexities of law enforcement in Chicago. Hawkins also occasionally appears in crossover episodes with Chicago Fire, adding more depth to the One Chicago franchise.
LaRoyce Hawkins’ Personal Life and Fatherhood
Hawkins is a dedicated father to his son, Roman John, who was born on April 13, 2017. Fatherhood has profoundly influenced Hawkins, shaping his outlook and approach to life. In a recent campaign with the creative agency Cove, Hawkins opened up about the lessons he hopes to impart to his son. “I want to leave my son with a legacy that helps him recognize his light through his gifts,” Hawkins shared, emphasizing his desire to be a role model for Roman.
In his Men’s Health interview, Hawkins offered a glimpse of the connection between his on-screen character and his real-life role as a father. A baby picture of Roman is displayed on Atwater’s desk in Chicago P.D., symbolizing the intersection of Hawkins’ personal and professional worlds. This thoughtful detail allows fans to see Hawkins’ personal commitment to fatherhood reflected in his character.
Embracing Fatherhood: Lessons in Patience and Growth
Fatherhood, Hawkins notes, has been transformative. In an interview with Essence, he shared how becoming a parent has taught him the importance of patience—not just as a skill but as a daily practice. “The process of patience, more than anything, has been one of my greatest lessons,” he explained, highlighting how raising Roman has helped him appreciate life’s little moments.
Hawkins views fatherhood as an opportunity for personal growth. He believes that to guide his son authentically, he must also challenge himself to improve. This mindset resonates in his dedication to his career and personal life, showing how he continually seeks to be a better example for Roman.
How to Watch LaRoyce Hawkins on Chicago P.D.
Fans can catch LaRoyce Hawkins on Chicago P.D., airing its twelfth season on NBC. His portrayal of Kevin Atwater remains a cornerstone of the show, with each season adding new layers to his character. Season 12 premiered on September 25, marking a milestone for the series and its loyal viewers.
Conclusion
LaRoyce Hawkins’ journey from a small town in Illinois to the set of a hit TV show highlights his resilience, talent, and commitment to authenticity. Through his role on Chicago P.D. and his dedication as a father, Hawkins embodies the values of hard work, perseverance, and growth. His story serves as an inspiration to many, reflecting that with determination and a strong sense of purpose, one can make a lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What role is LaRoyce Hawkins best known for? LaRoyce Hawkins is best known for his role as Officer Kevin Atwater on NBC’s Chicago P.D. He has played this character since the show began and has appeared in crossover episodes with Chicago Fire.
2. What influenced LaRoyce Hawkins’ career shift from sports to acting? While in high school, Hawkins initially pursued basketball but switched to speech after his grandfather encouraged him to find what truly made him happy. This shift led to his success in competitive speech and eventually sparked his passion for acting.
3. How has fatherhood affected LaRoyce Hawkins’ life? Fatherhood has profoundly impacted Hawkins, teaching him patience and the importance of setting a positive example. He often reflects on how he wants to leave a meaningful legacy for his son, Roman, through his actions and values.
4. What are some other notable projects LaRoyce Hawkins has worked on? In addition to Chicago P.D., Hawkins has appeared in shows like Ballers, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Underemployed, and Detroit 1-8-7. His film credits include The Express: The Ernie Davis Story.
5. What can fans expect from LaRoyce Hawkins in Season 12 of Chicago P.D.? In Season 12, fans can expect deeper insights into Kevin Atwater’s character as he faces new challenges and personal growth. Hawkins continues to bring depth and realism to his portrayal of Atwater, making him a fan favorite.