LaRoyce Hawkins is livin’ the dream as a poet, speaker, comedian, and successful working actor, who is well known as Officer Kevin Atwater on Chicago P.D.
LaRoyce refers to his career as a gift — a gift he feels compelled to share by being a powerful role model and positive light to others.
Born and raised in Harvey, Illinois, LaRoyce grew up in a close-knit family that greatly influenced his life and career. His grandparents played a significant role in his upbringing, instilling in him strong values and a sense of purpose. His grandfather, in particular, was a major influence, often telling him to “be powerful, not popular” which became a guiding principle for LaRoyce, reminding him to focus on impact over image. This motto stayed with him and eventually became the inspiration for his ‘Be Powerful’ campaign, which he uses to inspire young people in his community.
LaRoyce attended Thornton High School in Harvey, where he initially pursued basketball, playing on the Wildcats team but in his sophomore year he found his passion in public speaking and performing. He joined the speech team at Thornton, a decision that marked a turning point in his life. He quickly excelled, winning state championships in speech and honing his skills in performance, which paved the way for his career in acting and comedy. This period also gave him a strong foundation in storytelling and public speaking, skills he would carry into his professional life.
After high school, LaRoyce attended Illinois State University on a full scholarship, where he studied acting and theater. During college, he hosted open mic nights, performed standup comedy, and spent a good amount of time commuting back and forth to Chicago for auditions, eventually appearing several films. His break came with a recurring role as Officer Kevin Atwater in Season 1 of Chicago Fire. A year later that role developed into a main character in the startup of Chicago P.D. making him the first Chicago actor cast on the series.
Outside of work, LaRoyce is devoted to his young son, and places a strong emphasis on being a positive role model. “I hope to leave my son with a legacy that helps him recognize his light through his gifts, and I want to be an example of how you can utilize all your gifts,” he said. “Fatherhood was a shift on its own. You wanna be the greatest example you can be to your son.”
His family-centric values are central to his identity, and guide much of his charitable work, especially his commitment in helping the youth in his community to realize their potential. His love for his hometown and desire to see it thrive, deeply influence the projects he takes on and the causes he supports.
Be Powerful is the brand name for LaRoyce’s inspirational clothing line that gives back a portion of the sales to his community, with a mission to improve the aesthetics of his hometown, which he feels is too often portrayed negatively. He aims to start with community cleanup efforts to make a visible difference, eventually leading to the installation of sculptures and public art. His goal is to uplift Harvey’s image — showcasing its potential for growth and positive change — providing residents with a more beautiful, inspiring environment.
What’s up next?
The REEL recently spoke with LaRoyce, who is busy setting up a new office space to better serve his philanthropic endeavors. When asked what’s up next he said, “Speaking of projects in the community, we would love a decent press push on the upcoming TTHS Wildcat Classic: Battle Of The Decades at Thornton High school on Nov 2.”
LaRoyce hosted the 1st Annual last year and he’s cohosting this year with another alumni Ricky Rampage who works Power 92. “The whole event is the brain child of 2003 Class President and Big Homie Jason Clark – the founder of Link Further,” said LaRoyce. It is an exciting event that brings alumni team members together to unite the past and strengthening the future.
Through his Be Powerful initiative, LaRoyce works directly with schools to provide mentorship, resources, and encouragement. He regularly visits schools, especially in underserved areas, where he speaks to students about overcoming obstacles and shares lessons from his own life, encouraging them to believe in their potential. His campaign aims to instill self-confidence in young people, using his platform to inspire the next generation.
At various youth summits and conferences, LaRoyce is a sought-after speaker, often speaking on topics such as diversity, imagination, and fatherhood. These appearances often include personal meet-and-greets, where he spends time with young people individually, offering encouragement and guidance. Through his numerous charitable projects and personal involvement, he demonstrates a commitment to fostering community resilience and supporting growth, particularly in areas that have played a significant role in his own life journey.
Beyond his work in schools, LaRoyce is a passionate advocate for arts education. He believes that creativity helps youth find their voice, so he collaborates with school districts to promote arts programs, particularly in communities with fewer resources. For instance, he has organized performance workshops that allow students to explore acting and storytelling, providing an important creative outlet that he believes is essential for personal growth.
LaRoyce is also actively involved in community aid efforts. He was the Celebrity Kettle Ambassador for the Salvation Army for several years, and won an Emmy for his publicity campaign. He has hosted food drives to support families facing food insecurity and participated in outreach events to provide essentials to those in need, particularily in Harvey. His hands-on approach at these events allows him to connect directly with people in his community, underscoring his dedication to being physically present and accessible.
You can catch LaRoyce Hawkins on Chicago P.D. Wednesdays at 9 PM CST on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
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