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How LaRoyce Hawkins Filmed Atwater's New Episode in Frigidly Low Chicago Temperatures
The crew was trying their best to stay warm behind the scenes of Chicago P.D.
Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) is officially back on Season 11 of Chicago P.D.
Episode 5's "Split Second" — airing February 21 at 10/9c — will mark the first Atwater-centric episode of the season and could potentially see the cop in hot water while investigating a string of jewelry story robberies.
"As we take the night off for Love Day, I encourage us all to use this time to prepare our hearts and minds for next week," Hawkins wrote on Instagram for Valentine's Day. "We did our best to make this one of the best episodes of #ChicagoPD you’ve ever seen..trust me."
As it turns out, behind the scenes, the actor was battling the frigid elements.
Chicago P.D.'s Atwater episode was filmed in record cold
We frequently see many outdoors scenes on Chicago P.D., and "Split Second" is no different. However, though the crew is used to Chicago's infamously chilly weather, Hawkins tells NBC Insider that production for this episode was during "two coldest days of winter so far." And he's not exaggerating.
In January, NBC Chicago reported that the city was set to see its coldest season in five years, with temperatures predicted to hit -30 degrees with wind chill.
"These are the types of elements that really put hair on your chest and neck," Hawkins tells us. "And that's what I think makes this group special... you act like you ain't cold at the same time is another level of performing. But I think over time we've all done our best to acclimate. There's something about the camera and just hearing action that can turn the temperature up for you a bit on the inside."
Though fans shouldn't worry too much. The actor reveals there are protocols in place that keep the entire crew safe.
"We have to go inside [to] warm up sometimes for 30 minutes at a time because it's brutal and near illegal to be outside," he says. "We do our best, and as a show, that's become one of the things that we're most proud of is being able to overcome the elements and still create television that's captivating."
LaRoyce Hawkins gets nominated for a NAACP Image Award
Another point of pride for the star? He was just nominated for his first NAACP Image Award for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series alongside Adrian Homes (Bel-Air), Amin Joseph (Snowfall), Giancarlo Esposito (Godfather of Harlem), and Wendell Pierce (Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan).
"I consider the award to be a team effort, you know? Obviously wouldn't have been able to do it, or even get recognized at this level, without the team around me," he says. "I can't wait to just really embrace it all. Especially with the company of the nomination [it's] the best compliment. I'm in there with some big dogs and some OGs that I've always respected."
