PERSON: LaRoyce Hawkins

Actor

LaRoyce C. Hawkins (born May 4, 1988) is an American actor, stand-up comedian, spoken word artist, and musician. Hawkins stars on NBC’s police drama Chicago P.D., where he portrays Officer Kevin Atwater. The show is in its tenth season. Hawkins also has a main role on the crossover show Chicago Fire.

Hawkins was born and raised in Harvey, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago. While Hawkins was growing up he lived with his grandparents until he was 13 and he credits them with shaping his life and the lives of his siblings.

Hawkins attended Thornton High School, where he initially played basketball. Influenced by his grandfather’s advice to “choose what makes you feel better,” Hawkins left the basketball team sophomore year and joined the speech team, where he became a two-time state champion.

In 2005, Hawkins won the state title in the Illinois High School Association’s Original Comedy event, also placing third at the IHSA state competition in Humorous Interpretation. In 2006, he and a partner won the state title in Humorous Duet Acting, while Hawkins also placed fourth at state that year in Original Comedy.

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