Jason Beghe has built an impressive and diverse career in film and television, starting in the mid-1980s. While Jason Beghe never became exclusively tied to just one role or series, his name consistently popped up across some of the most iconic shows of the past few decades. From the beloved sci-fi series Quantum Leap (NBC, 1989–1993) to the acclaimed medical drama Chicago Hope (CBS, 1994–2000), Jason Beghe proved his versatility time and again. Then came a major turning point: his role as Sergeant Hank Voight on Chicago Fire (NBC, 2012– ), which eventually led to his first leading role in the spinoff Chicago P.D. (NBC, 2014– ). That character, brought to life with intensity by Jason Beghe, became central not only to that series but also to several other installments in Dick Wolf’s Chicago franchise.
Over the years, Jason Beghe expanded his repertoire beyond television. He appeared in notable films such as the feminist classic Thelma & Louise (1991), the Demi Moore-led military drama GI Jane (1997), and the blockbuster superhero prequel X-Men: First Class (2011). Born in 1960 in New York City, Jason Beghe attended the prestigious Collegiate School, where he formed close friendships with future public figures like David Duchovny and the late John F. Kennedy Jr. In fact, it was Jason Beghe who encouraged Duchovny—then more focused on academics—to pursue acting. That mentorship paid off, and Beghe later made appearances in projects starring his longtime friend, including guest spots on the cult hit The X-Files (Fox, 1993–2002) and the Showtime series Californication (2007–2014). Jason Beghe even served as best man at Duchovny’s wedding to actress Tea Leoni, highlighting the depth of their bond.
His portrayal of Frank Voight (later Hank Voight) began on Chicago Fire, but it was on Chicago P.D. where Jason Beghe truly stepped into the spotlight. The character crossed over into other series within the franchise, appearing in episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC, 1999– ), Chicago Med (NBC, 2015– ), and the short-lived Chicago Justice (NBC, 2017). However, in late 2017, Jason Beghe faced serious allegations regarding behavior on set—reports pointed to anger management issues and claims of sexual harassment during the production of Chicago P.D. Jason Beghe publicly acknowledged and apologized for his conduct, which had reportedly contributed to the departure of several female co-stars. Despite the controversy, he remained a central figure on the show, continuing his role without being let go. Through highs and lows, Jason Beghe’s presence in American television remains significant and enduring.
When it comes to Jason Beghe’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical reception is Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief from 2015—it’s widely regarded as Jason Beghe’s highest rated movie. The documentary shed light on some intense subject matter and earned a lot of praise, which certainly boosted its acclaim. On the other end of the spectrum, Jason Beghe appeared in One Missed Call back in 2008, a film that didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics, making it Jason Beghe’s lowest rated movie to date. While Jason Beghe has had a varied career across film and television, these two titles mark the extremes in terms of ratings. It’s interesting to see how different roles contribute to an actor’s legacy, and for Jason Beghe, these projects definitely stand out—albeit for very different reasons.