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5 Shocking Career Moves And Personal Life Secrets Of Jesse Lee Soffer In 2025

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Jesse Lee Soffer, the actor forever etched in the minds of fans as Detective Jay Halstead on NBC's hit series Chicago P.D., has completely redefined his career trajectory as of late December 2025, making a series of bold, unexpected moves that have sent ripples through the television industry.

The transition from a beloved, decade-long role to new professional horizons has been anything but quiet, with Soffer not only stepping into a major new role in the sprawling Dick Wolf universe but also returning to the director’s chair and fueling intense fan speculation about his personal life. This is the definitive, up-to-the-minute breakdown of his biography, his surprising new projects, and the unconfirmed romance that has captivated the One Chicago fandom.

Jesse Lee Soffer: Complete Biography and Profile

Jesse Lee Soffer is an American actor and television director known for his long-running, critically acclaimed roles in two major television franchises: the soap opera As the World Turns and the police procedural drama Chicago P.D..

  • Full Name: Jesse Lee Soffer
  • Date of Birth: April 23, 1984
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 41 years old
  • Birthplace: Ossining, New York, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Zodiac Sign: Taurus
  • Early Career: Began acting at age six, notably landing a commercial for Kix cereal.
  • Education: Attended The Gunnery (now Frederick Gunn School) and graduated in 2002.
  • Net Worth: Estimated to be around $5 million, primarily from his extensive television work on major network shows.
  • Key Roles: Will Munson (*As the World Turns*), Bobby Brady (*The Brady Bunch Movie*), Detective Jay Halstead (*Chicago P.D.*), and Wesley "Wes" Mitchell (*FBI: International*).
  • Awards & Nominations: He received three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Will Munson.

The Shocking Career Pivot: From Chicago PD Detective to FBI: International Leader and Director

Soffer’s departure from Chicago P.D. in 2022 after ten seasons as Detective Jay Halstead was a seismic event for the One Chicago franchise.

For months, the official reason was vague, but Soffer later clarified his decision in a 2023 interview, stating it was simply "time to take a risk" and explore new creative avenues. He felt he had achieved everything he could with the character and was ready for a fresh challenge, a surprisingly honest and proactive reason for leaving a high-profile, stable role.

A New Role in the Dick Wolf Universe: Wesley "Wes" Mitchell

The biggest news of 2024 and 2025 is Soffer’s return to the Dick Wolf procedural universe, but this time in a completely different city and on a different show.

In a major casting coup, Soffer joined the fourth season of the CBS drama FBI: International. He was cast as Wesley "Wes" Mitchell, the new International Fly Team leader, replacing the previous lead character. This move demonstrates the high regard in which Dick Wolf and the production teams hold Soffer, immediately giving him a leading role in another major franchise. Fans who missed seeing his presence in the One Chicago universe now have a new, dynamic character to follow in the global crime-fighting sphere.

Returning to Intelligence: But Behind the Camera

Adding another layer to his career shift, Soffer has embraced his passion for directing. This was one of the key reasons he cited for leaving the demanding acting schedule of Chicago P.D.

In a highly anticipated development for Season 13 of Chicago P.D., which premiered in late 2025, Jesse Lee Soffer returned to the set, not as Detective Halstead, but as a director. He helmed the fourth episode of the season, titled "Open Wounds," marking his second directorial effort for the series. This return was a massive boost for the show's ratings and confirmed his commitment to the franchise, even in a new capacity, working closely with former co-stars like Jason Beghe (Sgt. Hank Voight).

The Truth About 'Upstead' and Jesse Lee Soffer's Dating Life in 2025

While his professional life is clearly defined by his new roles in FBI: International and as a director, Jesse Lee Soffer's personal life remains a constant source of media and fan fascination, particularly his relationship status.

Soffer has had several high-profile relationships with co-stars from the Dick Wolf universe over the years.

  • Sophia Bush: He dated his former on-screen love interest and co-star Sophia Bush (Detective Erin Lindsay) from 2014 to 2016.
  • Torrey DeVitto: He was also in a relationship with actress Torrey DeVitto, who played Dr. Natalie Manning on Chicago Med, from 2018 to 2019.

The Tracy Spiridakos Speculation: Is 'Upstead' Real?

The most persistent and intense rumors surrounding Soffer in 2025 involve his on-screen wife, actress Tracy Spiridakos, who played Detective Hailey Upton.

The on-screen relationship between Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton, affectionately dubbed 'Upstead' by fans, was a cornerstone of Chicago P.D. for years. The chemistry between Soffer and Spiridakos was undeniable, leading to widespread speculation that their connection extended beyond the set, a rumor that has only intensified since their respective departures from the show.

As of March 2025, neither Jesse Lee Soffer nor Tracy Spiridakos have publicly confirmed or denied the relationship, choosing to keep their private lives out of the spotlight. However, fans have frequently spotted them together in social media posts and public outings, often with other members of the One Chicago cast, suggesting a very close and enduring bond. This silence has only fueled the "Are they or aren't they?" curiosity, making it one of the most talked-about potential romances in television circles.

Jesse Lee Soffer’s career is currently in a fascinating state of evolution. By taking the "risk" to leave his iconic role, he has successfully transitioned into a new leading acting role on FBI: International while simultaneously expanding his creative footprint as a director back on the set of Chicago P.D. Coupled with the ongoing intrigue surrounding his personal life, Soffer remains one of the most relevant and watched figures in primetime television.

jesse lee soffer
jesse lee soffer

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