Jason Beghe, the American actor known for his role as Sergeant Hank Voight in the NBC TV series "Chicago P.D.," has had a life punctuated by significant events that have shaped his perspective and approach to health. This article explores Beghe's life, focusing on the car accident that drastically altered his life, his views on health and fitness, and his career.
Early Life and Career
Born on March 12, 1960, in New York City, Jason Deneen Beghe comes from a diverse heritage, including Italian, German, English, and French Canadian roots. His father, Renato Beghe, was a tax court judge. Jason attended the Collegiate School, a private preparatory school where he befriended John F. Kennedy Jr. Before his acting career took off, Beghe worked as a model in Europe.
Beghe's acting career began in 1985 with his feature film debut in "Compromising Positions," starring Susan Sarandon. He also had a recurring role on the HBO situation comedy series "1st & Ten." He continued to build his career with roles in various films and television shows, including "Monkey Shines: An Experiment In Fear," directed by George A. Romero, "Thelma & Louise," and "G.I. Jane." Before landing his role on "Chicago P.D.," Beghe had recurring roles on "Picket Fences" and "Melrose Place," and he was a cast member on "Chicago Hope," portraying electrician Danny Blaines.
The Life-Altering Car Accident
In 1999, Jason Beghe was involved in a car accident that profoundly impacted his life. The accident not only gave him his signature raspy voice but also resulted in a near-death experience.
Details of the Accident
Beghe told The Daily Beast that he "broke [his] neck, [his] back in a couple of places, all of [his] ribs, both of [his] lungs" in the car accident. He was in a coma for three and a half weeks and recounted to The Hollywood Reporter, "I actually did die…in the coma, I died, which was a very interesting experience. That’s a big deal, and it changed me, I’m sure."
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Impact on Voice and Career
The intubation during his time on life support affected his voice. Beghe explained, "When I would come out of the coma, since I was intubated from being on life support, I would pull the tube out and it made [my voice] even more f****d up." Ironically, this distinctive voice became a signature quality of his character, Voight, in "Chicago P.D." Beghe noted, “[The voice] is good for Voight-not so good when I have to play the sweet dad. But it’s good with my kids. They’re good kids, but when I say, 'Hey, it’s time to clean up,' they do it."
Philosophical Shift
The accident also brought about a significant philosophical shift in Beghe's life. He told The Hollywood Reporter, "It’s not good or bad, it just is…it’s just the truth, and I try not to think about what’s good and bad…that changed me. How? I don’t know. Just like everything else, I’m just trying to be. I’m just trying to be."
Health and Fitness Regimen
Jason Beghe maintains his health and fitness through an active lifestyle and a clean diet. He is not a gym rat but prefers outdoor activities.
Active Hobbies
Beghe stays active by playing soccer and jumping on the trampoline with his sons. He also enjoys gardening, which he considers a "full-day" workout. “Gardening is badass, man!” he told Muscle and Fitness. “It’s not a half-hour workout. It’s a full day. It’s rough and tough.” His gardening activities include planting trees, digging holes, mending fences, and baling hay.
Diet
Beghe follows a healthy diet, avoiding fast food and soda. “I like clean, healthy, organic food,” he told Muscle and Fitness. “We have our own fruit and cook our own vegetables at the ranch." He also emphasizes the importance of hydration, aiming to drink a gallon of water a day.
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Separating from His Character
Beghe opened up about how he separates himself from his often-traumatized character after a long day on set of "Chicago P.D." He told The Hollywood Reporter, "Well, I know that these are stories…there are terrible things going on all over this planet…we’re a flawed species," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "All I can do is my best to try and play a part in being part of the solution rather than the problem. So that’s kind of how I approach it."
"Chicago P.D." and Signature Role
Since 2014, Beghe has starred on "Chicago P.D.," a spin-off of "Chicago Fire." The show follows the detectives of the Chicago Police Department's Intelligence Unit as they combat major offenses, including organized crime, drug trafficking, and high-profile murders. Beghe plays Sergeant Hank Voight.
Personal Life
Jason Beghe was married to Angie Janu. They have two children together. Beghe and Janu were "restored to the status of single persons" on Sept.
Controversies
In November 2017, Deadline Hollywood reported that Beghe was investigated for behavior that was considered overly aggressive and possibly sexual harassment while filming "Chicago P.D." in 2016. Claims of inappropriate behavior were reportedly made by his former co-star, Sophia Bush.
Beghe began to publicly criticize the Church of Scientology in April 2008. He asserted that Scientology was "very dangerous for your spiritual, psychological, mental, emotional health and evolution".
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