'Chicago P.D.' Star Jesse Lee Soffer Shares Message with Fans After Series Exit: 'I'm Just Grateful'

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Matt Dinerstein/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Jesse Lee Sofferis paying tribute to loyalChicago P.D.viewers after hisfinal episodeaired Wednesday night.

Millions of fans tuned in as he handed in his badge and headed to the airport.

In August, the 38-year-oldChicago P.D.star — who plays Detective Jay Halstead on the NBC cop drama — announced that he will beleaving the seriesearly in season 10.

On Wednesday, Soffertweeted, “For anyone that’s ever been a Halstead fan, I just want you to know that I’m grateful. Thank you for going on this journey with me. I’m just grateful.”

“If I could like every single tweet I would. I appreciate all the love. It means so much to me. Thank you,” he added, along with a heart emoji.

Touching tributes from viewers immediately poured in, with one commentertweeting, “Thank YOU Jesse!! You have no idea what an impact you made on SO many people. I can only speak for myself, but thank you thank you thank you for being a light, a testament, and savior in so many ways. We love you.”

Another fanwrote, “I’m in tears! I couldn’t possibly out everything into word, but thank you for everything you brought to us over the last ten years! Best of luck in whatever’s next for you!”

Lori Allen/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Soffer was an original cast member when the series premiered in 2014. Over time, Halstead grew to become a detective of prominence — and Soffer’s significance on the series was evident in his involvement in every episode of the seriesChicago P.D.

In a statement announcing his departure, he said, “I want to thank the incredible fans for their unwavering support during the past 10 years and want to express my deepest gratitude toDick Wolfand everyone at Wolf Entertainment, Peter Jankowski, Matt Olmstead, Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Rick Eid, Gwen Sigan, NBC, Universal Television, my fellow castmates and our incredible crew.”

Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos.Tracy Spiridakos Instagram

LaRoyce Hawkins, who plays Officer Kevin Atwater, wrote onInstagramahead of Wednesday’s episode, “To make a long story short, it will never be the same.”

Soffer is the fourth original cast member to leave the series.Sophia Bush, who played Erin Lindsay, left at the end of season 4; Elias Koteas departed in season 5 when his character Alvin Olinsky died in the line of duty, andJon Seda, a.k.a. Antonio Dawson, exited in season 6.

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Chicago P.D.airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

source: people.com