“Chicago P.D.” star Patrick John Flueger is taking a sudden leave of absence from the hit show on due to a personal matter.
Squerciati Speaks Out About Her Co-star
Flueger joined the cast of the popular NBC show in 2014 as Officer Adam Ruzek and has been an integral part of the Intelligence Unit. After many years of their on-and-off relationship, Flueger’s character finally married his love interest Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) in the show’s season 12 finale. The television couple share a daughter, Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams), whom they adopted in season 8. Ruzek also looks after his father, Disco Bob (Jack Coleman), who last season was diagnosed with Alzheimerâs and is now living at a nursing home.
“Patty and I have great chemistry and he’s my best friend in the whole world,” Squerciati told PEOPLE on working alongside Flueger. She added that he is, “truly is one of my closest friends.”
“I think that that chemistry just shows and we love working together,” Squerciati said.
On their fan-favorite wedding episode, the actress said, “I wanted the classic wedding. I’m glad it was in a church. I’m glad it was a real wedding. They deserve it.” Adam and Kim’s wedding marked the show’s first formal nuptials.
Kinney’s Similar Leave of Absence
Previously in the “Chicago” universe, Taylor Kinney, who stars in “Chicago Fire,” took a leave of absence similar to Flueger. Kinney returned to the show after 10 months. His leave of absence also pertained to him needing to “deal with a personal matter.”
Kinney has played Lieutenant Kelly Severide since “Chicago Fire” premiered in 2012. His character has gone on to become an integral part of the series, eventually going on to appear on the network’s many One Chicago franchise spin-offs “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med.”
On January 29, all three shows had a crossover event with Flueger and Kinney appearing in the same episode. In the episode, characters from NBC’s “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Chicago Med” came together to save the day after a dangerous gas explosion.
Details on Flueger’s Leave
Deadline was first to report the news. “The temporary departure was unexpected, and scripts are being reworked to reflect Ruzekâs absence, we hear. According to sources, the time off comes as Flueger has been going through a difficult period personally, with an instance of alcohol use on set.”
Luckily for fans of the police drama, PEOPLE has confirmed that Flueger plans to return later this season.Â
“Chicago P.D.” is currently in its 13th season. This season revolves around the Intelligence Unit coming back together after they disbanded following the fallout of Deputy Chief Charlie Reid (Shawn Hatosy), which was led by Voight. Ruzek and Burgess have been focused on their new family life as a married couple.
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