“After 14 Years on Blue Bloods, Star Bids Farewell to Her Badge”
For most actors, landing a steady role for a year or two is a major milestone. But for Abigail Hawk, class of 2004, landing the role of Detective Abigail Baker on CBS’s Blue Bloods in 2010 marked the beginning of a remarkable 14-year journey. Now, with the show set to conclude on December 13, Hawk reflects on the end of an era.
“Of course, gratitude is at the forefront, but it’s bittersweet,” Hawk admits. “The chemistry we had as a cast was real, and the friendships we built over the years are something special.”
Blue Bloods, which has become a staple of CBS’s lineup, centers around the Reagan family, a multi-generational law enforcement dynasty. Tom Selleck stars as Frank Reagan, the New York City police commissioner, with his children—an NYPD detective, a sergeant, and an assistant district attorney—working in various branches of the justice system. Despite occasional family drama, the show’s signature touch is the Reagan family’s Sunday dinners, where all conflicts are set aside in favor of togetherness. Hawk’s character, Baker, serves as Frank’s trusted aide—confident, composed, and adept at reading people. “I’ll miss her poise,” says Hawk. “I tend to wrestle with impostor syndrome, as most actors do. We often feel like we’re not good enough, but Baker never seemed to doubt herself.”
Hawk’s journey to Blue Bloods was marked by her time at the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in theatre. Her professors were quick to recognize her talent and leadership. Scot Reese, a professor in the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, recalls Hawk as someone who “hit the ground running” and brought out the best in those around her. “She was always working hard, making sure everyone else had fun along the way,” says Reese. “She was the kind of student who made everyone else better.”
After graduation, Hawk moved to New York City to pursue her dreams in theater, TV, and film. Though she landed a few roles, it was a dramatic hair color change that seemed to spark her career. “I went blonde on a whim, and the next day, I booked Blue Bloods,” she recalls.
Blue Bloods became a Friday-night favorite, consistently drawing millions of viewers over its run. While some critics have taken issue with the show’s portrayal of law enforcement, it’s remained a beloved series, with Newsday critic Verne Gay noting that it’s “still that show” after 14 years—one that brings together themes of family, faith, and New York City’s complex relationship with law enforcement.
With the show now coming to a close, Hawk is looking toward the future. She’s starring in the indie film Daruma, a story about two disabled friends who must bring the 4-year-old daughter of one of them across the country. Hawk is also diving into writing, working on a novel set in Victorian London based on the real-life case of Mary Pearcy, who was hanged for the 1890 murder of her lover’s wife and child. The book is inspired by Hawk’s long-standing fascination with Jack the Ripper and the darker corners of history. Originally, she’d hoped to write a musical about the infamous serial killer but quickly realized, “I am not Lin-Manuel Miranda.”
Her former professor, Leigh Wilson Smiley, says Hawk’s success is rooted in one crucial quality: empathy. “As an actor, Abigail’s ability to empathize with others is remarkable,” says Smiley. “She brings a deep thoughtfulness to everything she does.”
As Hawk prepares for her next chapter, it’s clear that whatever role or project she takes on next, her journey is just beginning.
