One of the most unforgettable characters in Chicago P.D.’s history, Detective Alvin Olinsky, left a profound mark on the show, fans, and fellow characters. Played by Elias Koteas
, Olinsky was a quiet yet compelling presence in the Intelligence Unit, becoming the heart of the team. From his first appearance in 2014 until his emotional and tragic exit in Season 5, Olinsky represented resilience, friendship, and the morally gray areas that define law enforcement.
Olinsky’s backstory set him apart from the other characters. As a U.S. Army paratrooper and experienced undercover detective, he had seen his fair share of danger and darkness. But despite his hardened exterior, Koteas portrayed Olinsky with a deep compassion that resonated with viewers. His relationship with
Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) became one of the emotional cornerstones of the show. Voight and Olinsky shared a unique bond — built on years of trust and friendship — and often, when Voight made morally questionable decisions, it was Olinsky who reminded him of the price of crossing lines.
What made Olinsky truly stand out was his humanity. He wasn’t a flawless hero nor a clear-cut villain. Instead, he was a man who operated in the gray areas, often making tough choices and bending the rules for the sake of justice. His
understated strength and unwavering loyalty earned him deep respect both within the series and from fans.
In Season 5, Olinsky’s story took a tragic turn. After being arrested for a crime tied to Voight’s personal vendetta, Olinsky was tragically killed in prison before evidence could clear his name. His
death was a gut-punch to fans, and it highlighted the devastating costs of loyalty in a world that often fails to honor it. Koteas’ performance in those final episodes was hauntingly powerful, capturing both Olinsky’s stoicism and the deep pain of his final moments.
Though Olinsky’s physical presence was removed from the show, his legacy continued to resonate. His death had lasting effects on the characters, particularly Voight, whose trajectory shifted dramatically following his friend’s untimely demise. In Season 11, fans were treated to a brief, emotional cameo by Olinsky when Voight, wounded, experienced a vision of his lost friend — a powerful reminder of the bond they shared.
Olinsky may have died, but his legacy of loyalty and sacrifice lives on in the hearts of Chicago P.D. fans. Through Koteas’ nuanced portrayal, Olinsky became more than just a detective; he became a symbol of the human cost of protecting others. His story continues to echo, reminding viewers that some bonds are unbreakable — and some legacies never fade.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Gabi Hernandez is flourishing on Days of our Lives. Her personal life and career are thriving. That’s how Cherie Jimenez felt when she landed her “dream role.”
Key Takeaways
Cherie Jimenez appeared on the Talk About It with Franjez podcast, where she discussed her journey to landing the role of Gabi Hernandez. In 2023, the writers’ strike slowed down everything in Hollywood, including movie production and scripted dramas.
This wasn’t her first audition with the soap. Surprisingly, she wanted to land the role of Gabi earlier in her career.
“I got the audition for Days of our Lives
and thought, ‘Wow, I haven’t auditioned for DAYS since I was 22 for the role of Gabi,” Jimenez said.
She noticed a fake name on the audition slides. Jimenez assumed she was auditioning to be Gabi’s sister. The audition took place over Zoom, and it was as awkward as one would assume.
Jimenez recalled stumbling over her lines. She thought that was the last she would hear from them. A week later, she was called back for a screen test. Her journey to Salem picked up fairly quickly.
“She noticed that the role wasn’t for one of Gabi’s relatives. “It said Gabi Hernandez,” she said. That moment hit her, and she’ll never forget it.
Jimenez noticed a sign on the set itself. Before she started filming, she spotted a phoenix statue, which is a symbol of the DiMera family, but also her son’s name.
“I looked over and saw a phoenix statue,” Jimenez exclaimed. When she got the call that the role was officially hers, she felt that it was meant to be. “For the first time, it was my turn,” the actress said.
Over a year after landing “a dream role,” Jimenez’s Gabi, ever the troublemaker, took her shot at becoming the CEO of DiMera again. But it backfired when Tony (Thaao Penghlis) betrayed her.
However, she owns Gabi Chic outright, and she’s involved with Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier, get these fast facts about him). Now, if she could just keep the fact that she spilled Titan secrets in order to go for that DiMera CEO gig, she’ll be okay.
Gabi is just getting started in Salem. She has a new killer wardrobe and a renewed sense of hope and purpose. DAYS fans love seeing this side of Gabi on the screen. She’s become a fierce, powerful, and fashionable woman who’s a force to be reckoned with. And her chemistry with Phillip is sizzling.