Shawn Hatosy has long been a favorite among fans for his compelling portrayals of complex, morally ambiguous characters. Known for his iconic roles in Dexter, Southland, and Animal Kingdom, Hatosy’s performances are always layered with tension, vulnerability, and emotional depth. Recently, the actor opened up about his roles and what’s next in his career, including his intriguing guest arc in Chicago P.D. alongside Jason Beghe and the potential of revisiting his role as Boyd Fowler in Dexter.
From Killer to Cop: Hatosy’s Transformation
For many fans, Hatosy’s most unforgettable role is that of Boyd Fowler, the chilling serial killer in Dexter. Though his character’s run was relatively brief, it left a lasting impression. Hatosy’s portrayal of the roadkill collector, a man hiding dark secrets behind a carefully constructed facade, is still remembered fondly by Dexter fans. Reflecting on his time in the role, Hatosy admits that Boyd was a challenging character to leave behind.
“Boyd was one of those roles that gets under your skin,” Hatosy says. “You don’t forget that kind of character, and clearly, neither do fans. I still get messages asking if he could return somehow.”
Though the idea of revisiting Boyd’s character excites fans, Hatosy is cautious about his return. “If there’s a smart, creative way to revisit that world, sure, I’d be interested,” he adds. “But only if it serves the story.”
Stepping into Law Enforcement: A New Chapter in ‘Chicago P.D.’
After his gripping role as a serial killer, Hatosy has turned his attention to the role of a law enforcement officer in Chicago P.D.. His recent guest appearance on the show alongside Jason Beghe, who plays the no-nonsense Hank Voight, marks a new chapter for Hatosy, who has traditionally played darker characters. According to Hatosy, working alongside Beghe was a powerful experience, with Beghe’s intensity pushing him to new heights in his performance.
“Jason is a powerhouse,” Hatosy comments. “There’s an intensity to Voight that forces everyone around him to step up their game, and I loved being part of that.” He teases that his character’s dynamic with Voight will be filled with both tension and mutual respect, adding further intrigue to the Chicago P.D. storyline.
The Challenge of Playing Complex Characters
Hatosy’s approach to acting is methodical and grounded in exploring the inner lives of his characters. He’s known for diving into roles that challenge him, often portraying figures who exist in the moral gray area. “When you get a role that scares you a little, that’s the sweet spot,” he explains. “It means you’re about to learn something, about the character and maybe even about yourself.”
Hatosy’s method is instinctual but also calculated. “I read the script, then try to find the heartbeat — what’s driving this person? Once I understand that, I let everything else fall into place.”
The Power of Jason Beghe’s Presence
For Hatosy, working with Jason Beghe was both a creative challenge and a rewarding experience. “Jason has this raw authenticity,” Hatosy notes. “He doesn’t play Voight — he becomes Voight. And that energy pulls something real out of you.” The emotional sparring matches between Hatosy’s character and Beghe’s Voight are not just for show; they add layers of depth to the series, making each scene feel real and impactful.
What’s Next for Hatosy?
As Hatosy continues to explore different genres and roles, including possibly returning to directing, fans of his darker characters need not worry. Hatosy admits that he’s not ready to completely leave those morally complex roles behind. “I don’t think I’ll ever completely leave that world,” he says. “There’s something honest about flawed characters trying to do good — or at least convincing themselves they are.”
As Hatosy navigates his career, it’s clear that his talent for playing complicated, emotionally charged characters will continue to captivate audiences. Whether he’s playing a killer, a cop, or someone in between, Shawn Hatosy remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world.
The Future of Shawn Hatosy’s Career
With new opportunities on the horizon, including his work on Chicago P.D. and potentially revisiting past roles, Hatosy’s career is at an exciting crossroads. As he continues to grow as an actor, fans can look forward to more captivating performances that highlight his range, depth, and ability to bring even the most complex characters to life. Whether he’s revisiting Dexter, embracing new challenges on Chicago P.D., or exploring fresh creative projects, one thing is certain — Hatosy’s journey is far from over, and audiences are eager to see where it takes him next.