EXCLUSIVE: The Intelligence Unit of Chicago PoliceToronto’s 21st District will be losing an officer for some time this season. Original actor Patrick John Flueger is taking a leave of absence from the popular NBC crime series, where he plays Adam Ruzek, to deal with a personal matter, sources tell Deadline. He will return later in the season.
The temporary departure was unexpected and scripts are being reworked to reflect Ruzek’s absence, it is learned. According to sources, the leave comes as Flueger is going through a difficult time personally, with an instance of drinking on set.
THE Chicago The franchise, produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment, is known for accommodating its cast when they need a break for personal reasons. Chicago Fire Star Taylor Kinney also took some time off, returning to the firefighter drama 10 months later.
From Chicago PoliceSince the creation of Flueger, Adam Ruzek has been an integral part of the intelligence unit led by Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe). After years of Ruzek’s on-and-off relationship with Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), the couple married in front of their friends and family in the season 12 finale. They share a daughter, Makayla, whom they adopted in season 8. Ruzek also cares for his father, Disco Bob (Jack Coleman), who last season was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is now living in a nursing home in Chicago.
In the current season 13, the team faces the fallout from Deputy Chief Charlie Reid (Shawn Hatosy), orchestrated by Voight. As the intelligence team gets back to work after being exonerated, Ruzek and Burgess focus on their marriage and family and tread lightly on the streets of Chicago.
Rosy Cordero contributed to this report.
