As S.W.A.T. rolls into its final season, Shemar Moore reflects on how his journey into fatherhood has shaped his portrayal of Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
For over three decades, Moore has captivated audiences with tough characters in shows like The Young and the Restless, Criminal Minds, and S.W.A.T. Each role often reveals a softer side, especially when it comes to family. This season, Hondo takes on a new dimension as he embraces family life, becoming a husband to Nichelle (Rochelle Aytes) and a father to their infant daughter, Vivian.
Moore emphasizes the importance of this new family arc. “In season 6, Hondo got engaged,” he explains. “I didn’t want a typical Hallmark marriage story; that would take away from the action. But it’s crucial to show Hondo as a married man and a family man. It’s nice to see his softer side because he’s such a badass.”
His real-life experience as a father has made it easier for Moore to connect with this new aspect of Hondo. In January 2023, he welcomed daughter Frankie with his partner, Jesiree Dizon, and he enjoys watching her develop her lively personality. “She’s getting ready to walk and loves the mirror,” he shares with pride.
Rather than separating his personal life from his character, Moore finds joy in blending the two. “It’s been nice to incorporate a bit of myself into Hondo,” he says. “I’m a year into being a dad, so it’s easy for me to portray that. I’m experiencing it in real life.”
While Hondo embraces family life, he also confronts more challenging moments. This season, Hondo grapples with the emotional fallout from a traumatic case he worked on a decade ago. Moore acknowledges that these struggles reflect his own life experiences. “This season is tough on Hondo. When you see him fight emotionally, that’s me digging deep within myself,” he explains. “It’s therapeutic to give Hondo some of my heart.”
As the series nears its conclusion, Moore is proud of the work he’s put into Hondo. He carries the lessons he’s learned from the role into his parenting. “Frankie has given me a new lease on life. She’s my purpose now,” he concludes. “Everything feels brighter. It’s no longer just about me; it’s about her. I strive for success to make Frankie proud, just as I wanted to make my late mother proud.”
In this final season, fans can expect to see Hondo’s evolution alongside Moore’s own journey as a father, enriching both his character and his life.
