Fans of the television series Chicago P.D. have often speculated about Jason Beghe, the actor behind Hank Voight, regarding the possibility of him having Parkinson’s Disease. Over the years, viewers have observed certain head movements and shaking during various scenes, leading to conjectures about the actor’s health. As the show enters its eleventh season in 2024, curiosity around Jason Beghe’s well-being has only heightened.
Contrary to fan theories, Jason Beghe does not suffer from Parkinson’s Disease. The distinctive head-shaking tic noticed by fans is not indicative of this particular neurological disorder. Instead, it is believed to be a consequence of a severe car accident that Beghe experienced in 1999. The accident resulted in multiple broken ribs, lung bruises, and a broken neck, placing him in a coma for three and a half weeks. The actor’s gravelly voice, noticed by fans, is a result of being intubated through the throat during his recovery.
While the broken neck injury from the accident is speculated to be the cause of Beghe’s unique head movements, the actor has not officially confirmed this. Some have considered the head movement to be an acting tic or a deliberate choice in portraying his character, Voight.
In a 2017 interview, Jason Beghe acknowledged the impact of the accident on his voice, stating that it worked well for his role as Voight but might not be suitable when portraying a gentler character. Despite the challenges, Beghe, who often reminisces about his high school wrestling days, stays in excellent shape. He attributes his fitness to activities like gardening, which he considers a full-day workout. The actor is known for doing his own stunts on Chicago P.D., even sustaining injuries in the process. He tore a bicep during a scene that required him to flip over another actor but remained enthusiastic about continuing his stunt work.
With the eleventh season of Chicago P.D. commencing on January 17, Jason Beghe has returned as Voight, dispelling concerns about his health and showcasing his commitment to the action-packed series.
