LaRoyce Hawkins

LaRoyce C. Hawkins (born May 4, 1988) is an American actor, stand‑up comedian, spoken‑word poet and musician who captured national attention through his dynamic performances on television and stage. Raised in Harvey, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago, Hawkins grew up under the care of his grandparents until age thirteen, crediting them with shaping his resilient character. He attended Thornton High School where, after a brief stint on the basketball team, he heeded his grandfather’s advice to “choose what makes you feel better” and joined the speech team, quickly emerging as a two‑time state champion in Original Comedy and Humorous Interpretation. His high school accolades continued with a state title in Humorous Duet Acting in 2006, solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer. Hawkins earned a full‑tuition scholarship to Illinois State University, majoring in theatre arts, and made his collegiate debut as Toledo in August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. While still a student, he landed his first major film role as Art Baker in The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, prompting a year‑and‑a‑half hiatus before completing his degree in 2012. He is also a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

In 2008 Hawkins transitioned to television, appearing in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and later guest‑starring on ABC’s Detroit 1‑8‑7 and MTV’s Underemployed. His breakthrough came in 2013 with a recurring role as Officer Kevin Atwater on Chicago Fire, a part that expanded into a main‑cast position on the spin‑off Chicago P.D. where he continues to portray the steadfast detective. Hawkins has since appeared in HBO’s Ballers, TBS’s Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, and the films Canal Street and Hope Springs Eternal. In 2019 he portrayed Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. in The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain and recurred as Michael “Shaw” Owens on South Side. Off‑screen, Hawkins welcomed his son Roman John on April 13, 2017, and remains an influential figure in both comedic and dramatic acting spheres.