Tracy Spiridakos recently shared her reflections on leaving her long-time role as Detective Hailey Upton on Chicago P.D. after seven and a half years. Speaking to PEOPLE just before her final episode aired, Spiridakos, 36, expressed a mix of emotions about her departure. “It’s absolutely bittersweet,” she said, explaining that the decision to leave was difficult due to her deep affection for the cast and crew. The connection she had developed with her colleagues over the years made the decision to move on particularly challenging.
Spiridakos joined Chicago P.D. in season 4, back in 2017, and quickly became a fan favorite. Her character, Hailey Upton, experienced significant personal and professional challenges throughout the series. In her final scenes, Hailey saved Sergeant Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe, from a serial killer and was injured in the process. This intense moment led to a heartfelt conversation between the two characters about their close bond and Hailey’s future. This scene was emblematic of the strong, almost familial relationships that had developed within the show’s narrative.
Hailey’s journey had been tumultuous, marked by professional decisions and personal heartbreak, particularly the dissolution of her marriage to Jay Halstead, played by Jesse Lee Soffer. Over time, Hailey began to confront unresolved traumas from her past, realizing that they were affecting her current life. This realization prompted her decision to move on and seek new opportunities, signifying her character’s growth and desire for a fresh start. The evolution of Hailey’s character mirrored Spiridakos’s own growth and readiness for new challenges.
Discussing her choice to leave the show, Spiridakos revealed it was driven by a desire to explore new opportunities and challenges in her career. Despite the sadness of leaving a show she loved, she felt it was time to “switch it up a little bit.” Spiridakos emphasized that her decision was independent of Soffer’s earlier departure, although the characters’ stories were deeply intertwined. She noted that while Halstead’s exit was significant, her decision was based on a personal need to pursue different roles and experiences.
The final scene Spiridakos filmed was emotionally charged, both on and off the set. It involved her character cradling Voight in a basement, with the rest of the team discovering them. The filming, which went on until one in the morning, culminated in a touching moment when the crew gave her a heartfelt clap-off, reflecting the strong bonds she had formed with her colleagues. Spiridakos described the atmosphere as filled with emotion, as everyone present was aware of the significance of the moment.
One particularly emotional aspect of her final episode was the return of Elias Koteas, who played Alvin Olinsky, a character who had a significant impact on the show. Spiridakos was thrilled to have Koteas back for her last episode, noting the deep friendship they share off-screen. Seeing Koteas in character brought an added layer of emotion to her farewell. The presence of Koteas provided a sense of closure and continuity, reminding fans of the show’s rich history.
Through her portrayal of Hailey Upton, Spiridakos learned valuable life lessons. She found that “your vulnerability can be your strength,” a realization that had a profound personal impact. Embracing vulnerability, Spiridakos discovered, was empowering and allowed her to connect more deeply with her character and herself. This insight is something she plans to carry forward in her career, as it has reshaped her understanding of strength and resilience.
Reflecting on her time on Chicago P.D., Spiridakos credited the show’s collaborative environment with helping her find her voice as an actor. She felt supported and encouraged to express her ideas and opinions, which significantly boosted her confidence. This experience, she noted, was instrumental in her growth and development as an actor. The inclusive and supportive atmosphere of the set played a crucial role in her professional evolution.
As for Hailey’s future, the final scenes left her character’s next steps open-ended, with Hailey considering opportunities with organizations like the DEA, FBI, or FEMA. Spiridakos appreciated that Hailey’s story ended on a hopeful note, with her character smiling and looking forward to new adventures. This mirrored Spiridakos’s own feelings about leaving the show to pursue new opportunities. The open-ended conclusion allowed fans to imagine a positive future for Hailey, filled with potential.
When asked about her dream role, Spiridakos expressed a desire to explore comedy, having enjoyed a previous experience working on the show Episodes. While she loves action roles, she is intrigued by the idea of bringing laughter and light-heartedness to her work. This aspiration reflects her openness to diverse roles and new challenges in her acting career. Spiridakos’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone underscores her commitment to continual growth and exploration.
Spiridakos also shared her gratitude for the show’s passionate fanbase, the ChiHards, who embraced her character and made her feel welcome from the beginning. She expressed deep appreciation for the fans’ support and the warm interactions she experienced while walking through Chicago. Her connection with the fans has been a source of joy and encouragement throughout her tenure on the show.
As she moves forward, Spiridakos remains open to returning to the Dick Wolf universe, recognizing the positive impact the franchise has had on her career. She looks forward to new roles and experiences, bringing with her the lessons and confidence gained from her time on Chicago P.D.. The show, now available to stream on Peacock, continues to be a testament to the enduring impact of Spiridakos’s performance and the strength of the ensemble cast. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter, but also the beginning of new possibilities for both her and her character, Hailey Upton.