Esai Morales is back on the beat.
The NYPD Blue grad has booked a recurring role on Chicago P.D. and is set to kick off with the three-show crossover, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Morales will play Chief Lugo, a 30-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who grew up and flourished in the “old style” policing methods of the department. Now, he’s doing his best as a chief to steer the CPD toward the new style of policing.
Morales will debut his role in the March 1 three-show crossover between Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. and forthcoming third spinoff, Chicago Justice. Unlike previous multi-show crossovers between Dick Wolf’s various dramas, all three episodes of the crossover will air back-to-back on the same night, from 8 to 11 p.m.
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He will then appear in future episodes of Chicago P.D. He is the latest new face to come to District 21, joining former Revenge star Nick Wechsler, who is currently recurring, and Quantico grad Li Jun Li, who had a multi-episode arc earlier this season. Recent departures include Jon Seda, who now stars on Justice, and Samuel Hunt. Additionally, Bradley Whitford is set to guest-star in the three-show crossover.
Morales’ many other credits include Criminal Minds, 24, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, Caprica, Magic City and the upcoming Netflix Jason Bateman-Laura Linney series Ozark. He is repped by APA, Link Entertainment and Espada PR.
Chicago P.D. airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC.
