Tracy Spiridakos, known for her role as Detective Hailey Upton on the long-running series Chicago P.D., has bid farewell to the show after completing filming for Season 11. Spiridakos, who has been a vital part of the series cast for several years, wrapped up her last scenes in the season finale, marking the end of an era for fans and colleagues alike.
Throughout the spring, fellow cast members have taken to social media to express their farewells, with messages of appreciation and nostalgia. LaRoyce Hawkins, who portrays Officer Kevin Atwater, shared a poignant message with the hashtag #SaveUpton, echoing the sentiments of many fans who will miss Spiridakos’ character on the show. Star Jason Beghe, who plays Sergeant Hank Voight, acknowledged the significant void her departure will leave, emphasizing the need for the show to adapt in her absence.
Notably, producer Brian Luce has shared a series of heartfelt goodbye videos featuring Spiridakos on the set. The videos capture poignant moments of Spiridakos during table reads, sharing hugs with castmates, and filming scenes with various characters throughout her tenure on the show. Accompanied by emotional ballads like Time Of Your Life by Paul Anka and How Do I Say Goodbye by Dean Lewis, these videos serve as a touching tribute to Spiridakos’ time on Chicago P.D.
The sentimentality of Spiridakos’ departure is further underscored by the inclusion of images featuring her co-stars Jesse Lee Soffer (Detective Jay Halstead) and Jon Seda (Detective Antonio Dawson) in the farewell videos. Set to the music of Have You Seen Her by The Chi-Lites, the videos showcase both recent moments and nostalgic memories from the show’s history, evoking a sense of shared camaraderie among the cast and crew.
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As fans eagerly await the return of new episodes in May 2024, speculation mounts regarding how the show will navigate Spiridakos’ absence. Jesse Lee Soffer, who directed an upcoming episode, may potentially make an appearance to bid farewell to Spiridakos’ character, adding an additional layer of emotion to her departure.
With only four remaining episodes in Season 11, the conclusion of Spiridakos’ journey marks the end of an era for the beloved series. While fans may feel a sense of loss, Spiridakos’ impactful portrayal of Detective Hailey Upton will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on the show’s legacy.
Previous episodes of Chicago P.D. are available for streaming on Peacock, and new episodes air Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.
