Soffer’s co-star Tracy Spiridakos, 34, who plays Halstead’s wife Detective Hailey Upton, has shared a heartfelt farewell to him in the wake of his announcement.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, August 30, Spiridakos shared a photo with Soffer, 38, during a break from filming the show.
In her caption, the actor wrote: “Jesse, what can I say, you’re the absolute best. Thank you for your kindness, your guidance and your friendship.
“You’re the greatest on-screen husband a girl could ask for. I’ll miss being on set with you every day. I can’t wait to see what the world has in store for you next. #upsteadforever.”
Soffer reacted to Spiridakos’ post with a heart emoji.
Spiridakos first joined Chicago P.D. as a recurring character in season four before being promoted to a main cast member from season five onwards.
At first, Spiridakos’ Upton and Soffer’s Halstead were partners before realizing they shared romantic feelings for one another, with the pair officially becoming a couple in the show’s eighth season.
Detectives Upton and Halstead, known by the couple name “Upstead,” became engaged in season eight and they then got married in season nine, with the nuptials being revealed to their team later on in the season.
In his original statement about his departure, shared with Variety, Soffer shared his gratitude with the show’s team, as well as his co-stars and the crew.
The actor said: “I want to thank the incredible fans for their unwavering support during the past 10 years and want to express my deepest gratitude to Dick Wolf and everyone at Wolf Entertainment, Peter Jankowski, Matt Olmstead, Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Rick Eid, Gwen Sigan, NBC, Universal Television, my fellow castmates and our incredible crew.
“To create this hour drama week after week has been a labor of love by everyone who touches the show. I will always be proud of my time as Det. Jay Halstead.”
NBC representatives confirmed to Newsweek that Soffer would be departing in the show’s 10th season, but did not comment further.
The actor first took on the role of Detective Halstead in season two of Chicago Fire, which led to the creation of spin-off Chicago P.D. in which Soffer appeared from its very first episode.
It has not yet been clarified how Soffer’s character will be written out of the show, or which episode will be his last.
Chicago P.D. season 10 premieres on Wednesday, September 21, at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.
