S.W.A.T. isn’t just another cop drama — it’s packed with complex characters, layered backstories, and surprising moments that often fly under the radar. Whether you’re a day-one fan or just caught the latest season, there’s a lot to uncover about the 20-Squad. From real-life military experience to hidden relationships and off-screen trivia, here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about S.W.A.T.’s main characters.
1. Hondo Was Based on a Real-Life LAPD Officer
Character: Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson
Played by: Shemar Moore
Hondo isn’t just a fictional hero. His character was inspired by real LAPD Sergeant Daryl Gates, who helped form the original SWAT unit in the 1960s. The character’s leadership style and emphasis on community connection reflect that legacy.
Fun Fact: Shemar Moore also brought his own life experiences into the role, pushing to highlight racial injustice and systemic issues — something rarely seen in network cop dramas.
2. Deacon Kay Is a Family Man — On and Off Screen
Character: David “Deacon” Kay
Played by: Jay Harrington
Deacon is known for being the moral compass of the team, balancing dangerous missions with the responsibility of being a father of four. Turns out, Jay Harrington is a family man off-screen too, and he’s admitted that Deacon’s storyline closely mirrors his personal values.
Behind the Scenes: Jay Harrington often consults with former cops to keep Deacon’s character grounded in realism.
3. Luca Has a Long Lineage in Law Enforcement
Character: Dominique Luca
Played by: Kenny Johnson
Luca’s character comes from a long line of cops, and that legacy weighs on him. In one episode, he even speaks about wanting to live up to his family name — a storyline that hit close to home for Kenny Johnson, who also has law enforcement ties in his family.
Did You Know? Johnson did most of his own driving in S.W.A.T.’s chase scenes and even took real tactical training.
4. Jim Street’s Backstory Was Based on a Classic Film
Character: Jim Street
Played by: Alex Russell
Jim’s troubled past, including his mom’s incarceration, echoes the 1975 S.W.A.T. movie character he’s based on. The show’s writers expanded on that origin to give Street more depth, especially in terms of trust issues and loyalty to the team.
Trivia: Alex Russell studied actual LAPD case files to prepare for the emotional complexity of his role.
5. Chris Alonso Broke Ground as a Queer Latina Officer
Character: Christina “Chris” Alonso
Played by: Lina Esco
Chris was one of the first openly LGBTQ+ characters in a major police procedural. Her strength, compassion, and confidence made her a fan favorite — and a role model for underrepresented viewers.
Fun Fact: Lina Esco advocated for the writers to explore Chris’s bisexuality more deeply and authentically.
6. Hicks Has a Mysterious Military Background
Character: Commander Robert Hicks
Played by: Patrick St. Esprit
We know Hicks is tough as nails, but his full backstory remains shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that he has ties to military intelligence and possibly covert ops — something that explains his calculated leadership style.
Behind the Curtain: Patrick St. Esprit drew on decades of playing military roles to build Hicks’s intimidating presence.
7. Victor Tan Was Originally Meant to Be a Minor Role
Character: Victor Tan
Played by: David Lim
Tan wasn’t supposed to stick around. But David Lim impressed the writers and audience so much that his role evolved into a key member of the team. He now represents one of the show’s most balanced characters — a mix of street smarts and tactical excellence.
Fun Fact: David Lim actually worked as a model before turning to acting full time.
8. Street and Chris’s Relationship Wasn’t Always Planned
Characters: Jim Street & Chris Alonso
Fans shipped Street and Chris from day one — but according to early interviews, the writers had no plans to develop a romantic arc between them. Their chemistry was so electric that the storyline practically wrote itself.
Insider Scoop: Both actors collaborated with writers to make the transition feel authentic, not forced.
9. Hondo’s Motorcycle Scenes Are 100% Real
Character: Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson
You’ve seen Hondo ride his motorcycle like a pro — and that’s no stunt double. Shemar Moore is a legit bike enthusiast and does all of his riding scenes himself.
Real-Life Tie-In: Moore owns a collection of motorcycles and once did a cross-country road trip to unwind after a hectic season.
10. The Cast Trained with Real SWAT Teams
Before filming began, the entire cast trained with real LAPD SWAT officers. They learned everything — from holding a weapon properly to clearing rooms and managing high-stress situations. That realism is why the show’s action sequences feel so intense.
Bonus Trivia: The show’s armorer and stunt coordinator are both former military and police personnel.
Bonus – The Cast Has a Secret Chat Group
Okay, one more for the road! The S.W.A.T. cast stays connected through a private group chat, where they share memes, jokes, and even script feedback. Their off-screen chemistry translates into the tight-knit squad you see on-screen.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Cop Show
S.W.A.T. brings high-octane action, but what makes it truly shine is the depth of its characters. Every main cast member brings personal history, hidden layers, and unexpected surprises that make you care deeply — and sometimes cry into your popcorn.
So next time you rewatch an episode, keep these fun facts in mind. You’ll appreciate each scene on a whole new level.
FAQs
Q1: Is Hondo based on a real person?
A: Yes — his character draws inspiration from real-life LAPD Sergeant Daryl Gates, one of the original S.W.A.T. founders.
Q2: Did the actors do their own stunts?
A: Many of them, yes! Especially Shemar Moore, who does all of his motorcycle scenes himself.
Q3: Are Street and Chris together in real life?
A: Nope, just amazing on-screen chemistry — they’re good friends off-camera.
Q4: Why did Lina Esco (Chris) leave the show?
A: Lina left after Season 5 to pursue new projects, but remains close with the cast.
Q5: Will original characters return in the final season?
A: Yes, many will appear as guest stars, including Street and Luca in recurring roles.
