About this episodeLoy Hawkins shares his journey from growing up in Harvey, Illinois, to becoming a series regular on Chicago PD…AI summary
Loy Hawkins shares his journey from growing up in Harvey, Illinois, to becoming a series regular on Chicago PD, emphasizing the importance of mindset in overcoming rejection. He details a unique childhood experience raising a pet duck named Duke, which taught him resilience, and outlines his professional strategy of reframing auditions as opportunities for growth rather than tests of worth.
Key takeaways 5
Reframing 'No' as a 'Chance to Learn': Hawkins views rejection not as a derogatory end but as an opportunity to improve specific skills like voice or imagination.
The 'Bridge' Mindset: Hawkins chose Chicago PD over the more glamorous HBO show Ballers because he saw his role as a bridge between the Black community and law enforcement culture.
Resilience through Personal History: His experience raising Duke, a domestic duck who survived attacks from neighborhood animals and couldn't migrate south, mirrors his own perseverance in the face of industry rejection.
Simplification in Relationships: Hawkins applies the same principle of focusing on fundamentals (trust, communication) in dating as he does in acting, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Community Priority: Despite his success, he prioritizes his hometown of Harvey through his nonprofit Hood Development, ensuring resources and hope remain in his community.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I don't see a no as something derogatory. I see it as a chance to learn.”
▶ 0:10Hawkins explaining his philosophy on handling rejection in the acting industry.
“Take the word audition out of your vocabulary altogether. It's not even an audition, it's an opportunity.”
▶ 7:59Advice on how to mentally prepare for casting calls to reduce anxiety and focus on growth.
“I had the potential to be a bridge... between my community and cop culture.”
▶ 19:52Hawkins explaining why he chose Chicago PD over Ballers, highlighting his deeper purpose for the role.
“What's yours is yours. I don't want to do nothing that ain't mine.”
▶ 9:08Hawkins describing his spiritual approach to career decisions and accepting roles that align with his path.
“Peter finally had his proof... keep your eyes on the prize. All Peter had to do but he was zooted.”
▶ 24:17Excerpt from Hawkins' spoken word performance about the biblical story of Peter walking on water, illustrating the theme of doubt and faith.
Chapters & Sections (50)▼
0:00Celebrity Guest Interview and Chicago PD Discussionchapter3
0:00Discussion on Value of Progress and Learning
0:35Celebrity Interview and Party Discussion
1:12Interview with Chicago PD Star L Hawkins
1:43Growing Up in Harvey, Illinoischapter2
1:43Gratitude to Influential Figures in Culture
2:13Growing Up in a Challenging Suburban Environment
3:10Childhood Story of Raising a Pet Duckchapter2
3:10Childhood Story of a Pet Duck
3:48Childhood Memories of Keeping a Duck
4:32Childhood Memories of a Pet Duckchapter3
4:32Childhood Memories of a Pet Duck
5:09Confrontation with a friend at home
5:33Man Reflects on His Pet Duck
6:30Navigating the Challenges of Auditioningchapter2
6:30Personal Growth through NOS Conversations
7:21Audition Process for Commercials
8:02Turning Rejection into Opportunities for Growthchapter3
8:02Turning Rejection into Opportunity
8:41Opportunity to Improve and Focus Skills
9:05Self Ownership and Gratitude Mindset
9:29Overcoming Fear and Creating Success Mindsetchapter2
9:29Perspective on Success and Failure
10:29Dating Advice for Young Men
10:59Building a Strong Family Foundationchapter2
10:59Discussing Family and Relationship Complexity
11:52Importance of Good Habits in Relationships
12:44Sharing Childhood Memories of Pet Duckchapter4
12:44Sharing Childhood Memories of a Pet Duck
13:37Conversation about Feeding a Duck
14:09Story about a pet duck in an apartment
14:49Duke the Duck's Passing and Memories
15:38Morning Radio Show with Citizen and Friendschapter3
15:38Morning Radio Show with Citizen and Friends
16:48Celebrity's Humility and Self-Awareness
17:17Prioritizing Community Development and Support
17:57Celebrating Success in Network Televisionchapter4
17:57Celebrating Success in Network Television
18:38Sustaining Career in the Entertainment Industry
19:07Career Decision Between TV Shows
19:44Personal Reflection on Career Choice
20:10Celebrating 11 Seasons of Ballerschapter2
20:10Celebrating 11 Seasons of a Popular TV Show
20:51NAACP Recognition and Future Conversations
21:48Celebrating a Man's Life Choices and Philosophychapter1
21:48Celebrating a Man's Life Choices and Philosophy
23:22Spoken Word Artist's Storytelling Performancechapter3