Entertainment Spotlight: Jesse Lee Soffer, Chicago PD
Jesse Lee Soffer stars as Jay Halstead, a brash young detective in the NBC drama Chicago PD. Soffer’s acting career began at age 6 when he landed a Kix cereal commercial. At age 8, Soffer made his feature-film debut opposite John Goodman and Cathy Moriarty in Matinee. He also starred in the family drama Safe Passage, and as Bobby in both The Brady Bunch Movie and A Very Brady Sequel. On the television front, he was on the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen ABC sitcom Two of a Kind, the CBS serial Guiding Light, and the daytime drama As the World Turns, a role that earned him three consecutive Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series, as well as a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Lead Actor. Soffer also appeared in the film In Time, as well as in guest roles in CSI: Miami,The Mentalist and Rizzoli & Isles. We got the chance to ask him some questions about his life and career. Check it out:
Did you do any research or shadowing to prepare for your roles on Chicago PD?
Yes, definitely. But mostly is was spending time with Brian Luce our technical advisor when we started the show and him sending us on a couple ride alongs. He’s still with us day in and day out and he’s essentially the heartbeat of the show. You can feel him everywhere from the cops that are on set to even specific character choices that we make every day.
If you could have a conversation with any character that you’ve played in the past, who would you talk to and what would you talk about?
I’d talk to Jay and tell him to stop being an idiot and getting his boundaries mixed up and start listening to Voight more.
Do you have a favorite character arc from this season of Chicago PD?
I have been enjoying seeing Voight and Jay trust each other a little more. I know that there’s riffs sometimes and they butt heads but the two respect each other and they’re definitely growing and have a mutual respect more and more because of it and that’s been a fun storyline to see play out.
What’s the funniest photo that you have on your phone (either share or describe it)?
Probably Season 1, I still have all the photos and video of accidentally kicking Patty in the nuts. He was suppose to be wearing a cup, it malfunctioned, we were gonna do it as a joke, and it went horribly awry.
Do you have any fun facts about the filming of Chicago PD that fans would be surprised to know?
Anytime we’re on set on location and it’s winter, everybody piles into Halstead’s truck to stay warm in between setups and usually hilarity ensues.
What’s the first thing that you remember being a fan of?
I remember watching the Terminator movies way too young as a kid and I’m sure that played a part in me liking the action genre.
If you could take a masterclass on any subject, what would you learn and who would you want to teach you (e.g. a cooking class with Gordon Ramsay)?
I’d love to take a political science class from Susan Rice, or someone like that.
Can you take us through a typical day on set?
Coffee. Block scenes. Eat snacks. More coffee. Shoot scenes. Putt. Shoot scenes. Putt. Shoot scenes. Get hangry. Shoot scenes. Eat lunch. Shoot more scenes. Putt. Shoot more scenes. I have a putting matt in the bullpen to work on my short game.
Lighting round! Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item.
Who you are: I don’t know! You can’t fit me in a bubble.
What I value the most: Friends and family.
Food Item: Thanksgiving Dinner
What’s next for you?
Watch the fall finale to find out!
Thanks for taking the time, Jesse! Tune in to the finale of Chicago PD, tonight at 10/9c on NBC.
