In the gritty landscape of the “One Chicago” universe, few faces are as intimidating as Jason Beghe. As Sergeant Hank Voight on Chicago P.D., Beghe has built a career on a gravelly voice and a “shoot first, ask questions later” intensity. However, behind the badge and the famous growl lies a surprisingly different man—a devoted father who governs his household with a set of “soft power” rules that contrast sharply with Voight’s iron-fisted leadership.
The Man Behind the Growl
For years, fans have speculated that Beghe’s raspy voice—the result of a near-fatal car accident in 1999—was a stylistic choice for the show. In reality, that accident was a turning point for Beghe, one that grounded him and reshaped his perspective on life and legacy. While his on-screen persona, Voight, often struggles to maintain a stable family life, Beghe has prioritized a “family-first” philosophy that is both disciplined and deeply empathetic.
The “Surprising” Family Rules
In rare interviews regarding his private life, Beghe has shared insights into how he raises his two sons, Bix and Bear. Far from the “tough cop” routine one might expect, Beghe’s family rules focus on emotional intelligence and radical honesty:
1. The “Open Door” Policy on Truth: Beghe has famously stated that there are no “forbidden” topics in his house. His rule is that his sons can tell him anything—no matter how bad—as long as they are honest. “Fear is a terrible motivator,” Beghe has noted, contrasting his parenting with Voight’s intimidation tactics.
2. Vulnerability is Strength: Unlike the stoic Voight, who suppresses his grief, Beghe encourages his sons to express emotion. He believes that “showing up as your authentic self” is the ultimate form of discipline.
3. The No-Screen Sanctuary: Beghe is a known advocate for “unplugged” time. Reports from the set suggest that when his children visit, the focus is on face-to-face connection and nature, a rule he strictly enforces to counteract the fast-paced digital world.
Crossing Over: The Voight-Severide Dynamic
This glimpse into Beghe’s personal life comes at a poignant time for the Chicago Fire family. As we look toward the January 7, 2026, return of Season 14, rumors are swirling about a massive One Chicago crossover involving a hunt for the arsonist who trapped Kelly Severide.
The juxtaposition is striking: while Jason Beghe uses “soft power” to nurture his family at home, his character Voight will likely be called upon to use his trademark “hard power” to help find Severide and save Firehouse 51. Fans often find comfort in knowing that the man who plays one of TV’s most ruthless characters is actually a “zen-like” figure off-camera, often practicing yoga and meditation to balance the darkness of the Intelligence Unit.
A Legacy of Resilience
Whether it’s Missy Peregrym finding balance through motherhood, or Jason Beghe using his accident-scarred voice to teach his sons about truth, the stars of the CBS and NBC procedural universes are proving that “Strength in Silence” and emotional intelligence are the true endgames.
As we wait for the 2026 premieres, it’s these human stories behind the actors that keep the fandom “still crying” and still cheering for their favorite heroes.
