Jason Beghe has anchored Chicago P.D. as Sgt. Hank Voight since the NBC series launched in 2014, delivering one of the franchise’s most iconic and complex performances. As the show progresses through Season 13 in 2026—following a major One Chicago crossover event in early March—rumors have circulated suggesting the actor “couldn’t stand” the role anymore or viewed it as his “least favorite show ever.” However, a review of interviews, production reports, and recent developments reveals no credible evidence of such a “shocking confession” or deep-seated hatred toward the series.
Beghe, now in his mid-60s, has portrayed Voight as the tough, morally ambiguous leader of the Intelligence Unit for over a decade. The character’s evolution—from grieving father to rogue cop willing to bend rules for justice—has been central to the procedural’s appeal. In various interviews, Beghe has discussed the physical and emotional demands of the role, including how portraying a police officer influenced his views on law enforcement. A 2023 Looper piece noted that working on the show shifted his perspective on officers, but he framed it as a thoughtful change rather than regret.
Recent speculation appears tied to Beghe’s comments about aging and physical toll. In early 2026 interviews referenced across fan pages and social media (including Facebook groups and Instagram posts from Chicago P.D. fan accounts), he reportedly opened up about past injuries and the wear of long-term filming. Fans interpreted these as hints of impending retirement or exit, with some posts claiming “this might really be goodbye” or sparking “exit fears.” However, these stem from candid reflections on the job’s challenges—not explicit dislike for Chicago P.D. itself. No direct quotes show Beghe calling it his “least favorite” or expressing hatred.
Past controversies have also fueled narratives. In 2017, Variety reported an NBC investigation into complaints about Beghe’s “anger issues, volatile behavior, and offensive comments” on set, leading to written reprimands and anger management coaching. This overlapped with Sophia Bush’s departure after Season 4, with sources suggesting his behavior contributed (though Bush later discussed broader on-set culture issues in podcasts). Beghe apologized publicly at the time, stating he had addressed concerns personally. These events were addressed years ago and do not indicate ongoing resentment toward the show.
Current status confirms Beghe’s ongoing commitment. As of March 2026, he remains a core cast member, appearing prominently in Season 13 episodes—including the recent three-part “Reckoning” crossover with Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, where Voight navigated high-stakes threats and unit crises. Showrunners and outlets like Collider and Deadline have discussed Season 13 arcs introducing potential “Voight-like” figures (e.g., new officer Eva Imani), but these explore character dynamics and legacy, not replacement due to Beghe’s dissatisfaction. Multi-year deals and his presence in crossover promotions (e.g., with returning guests like Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos) point to stability.
Occasional absences or reduced roles in long-running series often spark rumors, similar to those seen with other One Chicago stars (e.g., Patrick John Flueger’s 2025 personal leave). For Beghe, no production sources report a departure announcement. Fan-driven headlines on social platforms exaggerate personal tolls into dramatic “confessions,” but credible reporting (from NBC Insider, Deadline, and Collider) highlights his continued involvement and enthusiasm for Voight’s complexity.
In recent discussions, Beghe has teased Voight facing “repercussions” for past actions and explored deeper personal layers—signs of creative investment rather than disinterest. He has praised collaborations (e.g., with Amy Morton) and described the role as offering “untapped gold.”
The “shocking truth” behind exit rumors? Beghe has endured the grind of a demanding procedural for over 200 episodes, with natural reflections on age and health sparking concern. Yet no evidence supports claims he secretly hated Chicago P.D. or viewed it as his least favorite project. As the series resumes post-crossover—with Voight rebuilding the unit amid ongoing challenges—Beghe appears set to continue leading Intelligence, much to fans’ relief.