LaRoyce Hawkins

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. Hawkins also has a regular role on the crossover show Chicago Fire.

Early life and education Hawkins was born and raised in Harvey, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago. 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. He graduated later that year.

Career In 2008, the same year Hawkins starred as Art Baker in The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, Hawkins appeared in Tyler Perry's House of Payne. Starting in 2019, Hawkins began appearing in a recurring role in a second spin-off, Chicago Med. Hawkins has also made appearances in HBO's Ballers and TBS' Tyler Perry's House of Payne. In 2018, Hawkins appeared in Canal Street and Hope Springs Eternal. In 2019, Hawkins was cast as Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. in The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain. Hawkins also had a recurring role as Michael "Shaw" Owens on the television show South Side from 2019–2022.

Personal life His son, Roman John, was born April 13, 2017.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2008 The Express: The Ernie Davis Story Art Baker Hope Springs Eternal Mr. Baser 2019 The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. 2012 Underemployed Episode: "The Gig" 2019–present Chicago Med Officer Kevin Atwater 3 episodes 2025Ironheart Gary WilliamsMiniseries; 4 episodesPower Book IV: Force Jojo Episode: "Build Back Better" 2026Toon In with Me Himself Episode: "The Great Purge"