HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. — Since 2008 when area resident, Patrick Byas, had his first speaking role on NBC’s Law and Order SVU – Wildlife episode, he has been optimistic about his career as an actor on television’s leading networks such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. 
– Provided photo
Byas had been interested in acting since a decade earlier when an actor from the movie, Terminator 2 T-1000, came to his junior high school in 1998 and spoke to his class about his career as an actor.
“From there, it inspired me to become an actor myself,” said Byas. “I understood that it was going to be challenging…but I felt it was going to be a challenge that I can obtain.”
So, Byas has overcame challenges such as learning how to memorize his lines and addressing weight issues, and now he act as Marcus Kelly on the season opener of Chicago PD on NBC, which airs Sept. 27.
While Byas is proud of his many accomplishments of acting in shows on other networks, he is even happier about his role on Chicago PD — that he is guest starring and that he is in some scenes with all the leads.
He is a veteran actor in crime shows, where he would film primarily in New York City, but Chicago PD show has taken him to the Windy City that he describes as “the beautiful and unique city.’’
Chicago PD is from Emmy-Winning producer Dick Wolf. In the show, “District 21 of the Chicago Police Department is composed of the uniformed cops, who deal with street crimes; the Intelligence Unit, which deals with major crimes like drug trafficking and high profile murders,” states the show’s website. Then, there is the tough boss, Sgt. Hank Voight, who is flexible with the rules in order to pursue justice. The story is about how the work on the force and the personal lives of the officers take a toll on their lifestyles and how they struggle to balance the two as they try to do their best in obtaining justice in their city.
Byas said that one of the most exciting thing about filming Chicago PD, was that he got to work with the very accomplished actor, Eriq La Salle, who is known for roles in movies such as ER and Coming to America.
“He’s the first big-time actor who has directed me on a well-known TV show,” said Byas.
Byas guest stars on Chicago PD as a gang lord.
According to him, this role is nothing too new to him because he grew up in the South Bronx where he would see this type of lifestyle up close.
He said he was exposed to harsh lifestyles of those who were trying to make ends meet. This included seeing how gangs interact on a daily basis.
However, he has used his negative experiences to his advantage where he has gained this promising role on Chicago PD, and also shows on other networks.
Along the way, Byas has also met the actor, Wendell Pierce, who he described as “definitely one cool dude.”
He said, “I respect his work as an actor, and it was definitely a great experience to meet him.”
Byas said the other TV networks that he appeared on includes ABC’s Time After Time, Spike Lee’s film, Touched With Fire; CBS’ Blue Blood; NBC’s Person of Interest; Showtime’s, Billions, Cartoon Network’s sitcom, The Jack and Triumph Show, and he also said that he has other films that will release soon.
Byas also said he has made friends with another actor, LaRoyce Hawkins, and discovered they are both young actors, around 30, with similar backgrounds, similar goals and interests.
He is enjoying the business and respecting other actors. In reference to Hawkins, he said, “To see him be under 30 years old and have one of the leads on the show made me appreciate him, his hustle and respect his grind.”
Byas also promised, “There’s no way that I will quit my dreams even though some days might be better than others, but I have a goal that I must reach and I have a lot of people depending on me and believing in me.”
The actor said his character Marcus Kelly, on Chicago PD has a little bit of attitude, and does not really get along with the cops. He said he is not sure if justice is really on his side, especially because of the corrupt system.
Byas moved to Hightstown in 2000, and graduated from Hightstown High School in 2004. Then, he went to Rutgers University where he studied theater. One of his goals as an actor is to have his own television show.