Jesse Lee Soffer is an American actor and television director who has built a distinguished career spanning both daytime soap operas and prime-time network dramas. He is best known for his long-running role as Detective Jay Halstead on the NBC series Chicago P.D., a character he portrayed for eight seasons from 2014 to 2022, and for his earlier work as Will Munson on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, which earned him three Daytime Emmy Award nominations. Soffer first captured audiences as a child actor, playing Bobby Brady in the comedy film The Brady Bunch Movie and its sequel A Very Brady Sequel, roles that introduced him to a wide audience and showcased his early comedic timing.

Born on April 23, 1984, in Ossining, New York, Soffer grew up in a creative family and began acting at a young age. After his early film appearances, he transitioned to television, joining the cast of As the World Turns in 2004. His portrayal of Will Munson, a troubled but good-hearted young man, became a fan favorite and earned him critical acclaim, including three Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series. Soffer remained with the soap until 2010, honing his craft and building a loyal following. Following the end of his run on As the World Turns, he appeared in guest roles on series such as CSI: Miami and The Mentalist before landing the role that would define his career.

In 2014, Soffer joined the cast of Chicago P.D. as Jay Halstead, a former Army Ranger turned detective in the Chicago Police Department's Intelligence Unit. The character became a cornerstone of the show, and Soffer also appeared in crossover episodes with the other series in Dick Wolf's Chicago franchise, including Chicago Med and Chicago Fire. His performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth, particularly in storylines exploring Halstead's military past and his relationship with Hailey Upton, played by Tracy Spiridakos. Soffer directed several episodes of Chicago P.D. during his tenure, expanding his skills behind the camera. He departed the series in 2022, with his character's exit marking a major turning point for the show.

After a brief hiatus, Soffer returned to network television in 2024, taking on the lead role of Wesley "Wes" Mitchell in the fourth season of the CBS drama FBI: International. He replaced Luke Kleintank, who had played Scott Forester, and assumed the position of the new International Fly Team leader. The role marked a fresh chapter in Soffer's career, allowing him to head a prime-time ensemble and continue his work in the action-drama genre. Off-screen, Soffer is known for his private nature, but he has occasionally spoken about his passion for directing and his desire to take on diverse roles. With a career that has evolved from a child star to a soap opera favorite and a prime-time lead, Jesse Lee Soffer remains a respected and versatile figure in the entertainment industry.