After seven powerful seasons, Tracy Spiridakos has bid a heartfelt farewell to Chicago P.D. as Detective Hailey Upton. Her exit from the series has not only left fans devastated but also deeply moved the cast and crew who’ve worked with her. From the moment she joined the show in Season 4, Upton quickly became a fan favorite, drawing viewers in with her fierce commitment to justice, her emotional depth, and her unrelenting fight against the trauma that defined her character.

A HEARTBREAKING GOODBYE:

In true Chicago P.D. fashion, Upton’s departure wasn’t about grand gestures or dramatic action—it was quiet, emotional, and heartbreakingly realistic. Upton’s final moments on screen perfectly encapsulated her character’s evolution: a woman hardened by the weight of trauma, yet still driven by a deep sense of justice. For those who watched her journey from the beginning, her exit wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a reminder of the vulnerability that lay beneath the tough exterior of the detective.

THANKING THE FANS AND HER CO-STARS:

On social media, Spiridakos shared an emotional message thanking the cast, crew, and millions of fans who had supported her throughout her journey. “Playing Hailey Upton has been the honor of a lifetime,” she wrote. “This role challenged me, changed me, and gave me a second family. I will forever carry her strength with me.” Spiridakos also took the time to reflect on her on-screen relationship with Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead), who had left the show in Season 10. The bond between Hailey and Jay was something she cherished deeply, both personally and professionally.

FROM REPLACEMENT TO ICON:

When Tracy first joined Chicago P.D., many saw her as a replacement for Sophia Bush’s Erin Lindsay. However, it didn’t take long for Upton to carve out her own place in the Chicago universe. With her unwavering commitment to the job, her emotional vulnerability, and her complex moral compass, Upton quickly became one of the show’s most compelling characters. Her departure marks not just the loss of a central character but also the end of an era in the Intelligence Unit.

A FINAL PERFORMANCE TO REMEMBER:

In a touching tribute to Spiridakos, her co-stars shared their admiration for the actress. LaRoyce Hawkins (Atwater) called Spiridakos “a light on set, and a warrior on screen,” while Marina Squerciati (Burgess) admitted to crying upon hearing about Spiridakos’ departure. “It won’t be the same without her,” Squerciati said, reflecting the sentiment felt by many on set.

Behind the scenes, showrunners expressed their gratitude for Spiridakos’ contribution to the show. “Tracy gave us more than we ever expected,” one producer shared. “She made Hailey Upton unforgettable.” Fans of the show will undoubtedly agree—Upton’s legacy will live on for years to come.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR TRACY SPIRIDAKOS?

Though Tracy Spiridakos has yet to reveal her next project, she has hinted at taking time off to recharge before exploring new opportunities. After years of non-stop work, Spiridakos is looking forward to stepping into new roles, possibly beyond the crime drama genre that made her famous.

THE POSSIBILITY OF A RETURN:

While fans hope for a return of Upton or even a surprise guest appearance in the One Chicago universe, Spiridakos’ farewell doesn’t feel like a closed door. As long as Jay Halstead’s name lives on, so too does the memory of Hailey Upton. Chicago P.D. may have lost one of its strongest characters, but Upton’s impact will never be forgotten.