‘Chicago P.D.’ Star Reveals Real Reason for Leaving Hit Show
Chicago P.D. star Tracy Spiridakos revealed to Variety why she decided to leave Dick Wolf’s hit NBC series at the end of its 11th season.
Spiridakos joined the show in season four as hard-nosed, determined Detective Hailey Upton, and this season marks her seventh with Chicago P.D. Despite her beloved character, Spiridakos has been craving other opportunities for some time.
“I decided [last year] at the end of my sixth season, which is when I had reached out to [showrunner] Gwen [Sigan] and to everyone at Wolf [Entertainment] to let them know that I just wanted to do one more year. I wanted us to send out the character with one last season,” she explained.
Spiridakos struggled with the choice, but ultimately chose the path she knew would be most beneficial for her career.
“It was a hard decision—very, very hard. I love everybody on the show—cast, crew, producers, writers, everybody. It’s such an incredible team,” Spiridakos enthused. “I was just curious what was out there for me and wanted to switch it up, and that was it.”
Nonetheless, playing Upton has imbued Spiridakos with some enviable skills she plans to take with her when she leaves the show.
“One of my favorite things about [Upton] is her vulnerability, is her strength. For me, I’m not great at vulnerability. As an individual, I usually make awkward jokes,” Spiridakos confessed. “So that’s something that I really love about her—that and how she is so much herself. She doesn’t care if you love her or if you don’t. Those are the two qualities that I hope have rubbed off on me a little bit, particularly the vulnerability.”
Chicago P.D.’s 11th season finale—Spiridakos’ final episode—airs May 22 at 10 p.m. on NBC.