LaRoyce Hawkins, a talented actor hailing from Chicago, first made a notable impression in the film industry with a supporting role in the 2008 football drama The Express. Following that, he went on to portray a savvy police officer in the widely popular NBC series Chicago P.D., which has been on air since 2014. Born on May 4, 1988, in Harvey, Illinois—a South Side suburb of Chicago—Hawkins developed a passion for performance while attending Thornton Township High School.
After high school, he pursued acting more seriously at Illinois State University. During his time there, he sharpened his skills through appearances at various standup comedy clubs. Even before graduating, Hawkins landed his role in The Express, where he portrayed Art Baker, a future Buffalo Bills fullback. The filming of the movie required him to take a temporary break from university, but he returned to his studies in 2007 and ultimately earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 2012. Throughout his academic journey, he remained active in the entertainment industry, continuously auditioning for and securing roles in film, television, and theater.
In 2013, LaRoyce Hawkins joined the cast of Chicago P.D. as Officer Kevin Atwater, a key character in the action-packed drama that spun off from Dick Wolf’s successful series Chicago Fire. The character was first introduced in the final episodes of the first season of Chicago Fire before transitioning to his own show the following year. Atwater became a central figure among a team of elite officers and detectives focused on tackling serious crimes in the Windy City.
A year later, in 2015, Hawkins also took on a recurring role as a football player in the HBO comedy-drama Ballers, starring Dwayne Johnson. This opportunity further showcased his versatility as an actor and expanded his presence in the television world.
LaRoyce Hawkins has been part of several movies throughout his career, but one that really stands out is The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain (2020). Interestingly, this film happens to be both his highest-rated and lowest-rated movie to date. While it’s received a range of responses from audiences and critics alike, it remains a significant piece in LaRoyce Hawkins’s filmography. The mixed reception has sparked conversations, and many have pointed to the powerful storytelling and emotional weight behind the film. For LaRoyce Hawkins, it’s a role that showcases his depth as an actor, even amidst the varying opinions surrounding the movie.