Jason Beghe’s Surprising Reaction to His ’80s Modeling Photos

Before he was barking orders as Hank Voight on Chicago P.D., Jason Beghe was turning heads for an entirely different reason — his smoldering good looks. And yes, there’s photographic evidence to prove it. Long before he became a fan-favorite in the One Chicago universe, Beghe worked as a model in the 1980s, posing for high-fashion editorials and even sharing the spotlight with a young Demi Moore.

But when recently shown those vintage photos during a late-night interview, Beghe’s reaction wasn’t what fans expected.

“I looked like I was trying way too hard,” Beghe laughed, shaking his head at one particularly dramatic black-and-white shot. “That guy had no idea who he was yet.”

Known for his gravelly voice and brooding intensity on screen, Beghe was surprisingly self-deprecating about his early modeling days. “I mean, I was wearing a silk scarf and no shirt. Come on,” he joked. “It’s like a Calvin Klein ad on steroids.”

Fans were quick to jump online and declare how timelessly handsome Beghe still is, but the actor dismissed the praise with humility. “I’m proud of where I came from,” he said. “But I’m even prouder of where I’ve gotten to.”

The photos have since resurfaced on social media, reigniting fan admiration and curiosity about Beghe’s path from fashion spreads to crime dramas. And while he might cringe at his ’80s modeling poses, there’s no denying they’re a fun, revealing glimpse into the evolution of one of TV’s most iconic tough guys.

From runway-ready to rough-and-ready — Jason Beghe’s journey is proof that real swagger only gets better with time.