In the vast world of television, where stars often cross paths at red carpet events or shared networks, some friendships feel scripted—convenient, expected, or purely professional. But every now and then, a celebrity connection emerges that surprises fans in the best possible way. That’s exactly what happened when Chicago P.D. star Marina Squerciati recently revealed her real-life friendship with an iconic heartthrob from the 1980s. Their unexpected bond—and the fact that they recently spent time together—has the internet collectively raising its eyebrows and smiling with delight.
Marina Squerciati, best known for her role as Officer Kim Burgess on NBC’s Chicago P.D., has become a fan favorite for her fierce loyalty, emotional range, and ability to anchor even the most chaotic episodes. Off-screen, she’s known for her witty social media presence and her genuine connection with fans. But even her most dedicated followers didn’t expect to see her sharing laughs with someone who, decades ago, was adorning the walls of teenage bedrooms everywhere.
That someone? None other than Andrew McCarthy—the quintessential Brat Pack member who defined cool in films like Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire, and Mannequin. McCarthy was the thinking fan’s teen idol: brooding, soulful, and effortlessly charming. While many of his peers leaned into the flash and flair of 1980s stardom, McCarthy maintained a quiet intensity that made him unforgettable. In recent years, he’s made a successful transition behind the camera, directing episodes of hit shows like Orange is the New Black, The Blacklist, and yes—Chicago P.D.
As it turns out, Andrew McCarthy directed several episodes of Chicago P.D., giving him the perfect opportunity to connect with Marina on a professional level. But what started as collaboration quickly blossomed into a full-blown friendship. According to interviews and Instagram posts, the two bonded over a shared love of theater, parenting stories, and a mutual appreciation for crafting character-driven television. In fact, Marina has described McCarthy as “one of the most thoughtful directors I’ve ever worked with” and credited him with helping her tap into deeper layers of Kim Burgess during some of the show’s most intense arcs.
Fans first caught wind of their close bond when Marina shared a behind-the-scenes selfie with Andrew on her Instagram, captioning it: “Director. Actor. Legend. Friend. Can’t believe I get to work with this guy.” That post quickly racked up thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, with followers stunned—and delighted—to see their favorite modern cop show star hanging out with a face from Hollywood’s golden teen era.
For Andrew McCarthy, this isn’t his first time forging meaningful friendships on the set of shows he’s directed. He’s spoken in the past about how directing allows him to build deeper relationships with actors, often guiding them toward their best work. With Marina, however, the connection seems especially personal. In an interview for a behind-the-scenes featurette, he said, “Marina brings such honesty to every scene. She doesn’t phone anything in, ever. She’s present. She’s real. That’s rare, and it makes directing her a joy.”
The fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is filled with comments ranging from “My childhood crush hanging out with my favorite detective?! I love this timeline!” to “Andrew and Marina are my new favorite Hollywood friendship.” Some fans have even started imagining McCarthy guest-starring on Chicago P.D.—perhaps as a retired detective or a mentor from Kim’s past—just to see them share the screen as actor and actor, not just director and cast member.
And why not? In an age where so many celebrity friendships feel like PR stunts or brand-building alliances, the simple, authentic bond between Marina Squerciati and Andrew McCarthy is a reminder that shared respect, creativity, and curiosity can bridge even the widest generational gaps. Whether they’re collaborating on set, grabbing coffee between takes, or brainstorming future projects, they’re showing the world that some friendships are just meant to be—even if they begin in the most unexpected places.
So while fans of Chicago P.D. continue to root for Burgess to find peace, purpose, and maybe even lasting love on-screen, it’s nice to know that off-screen, Marina has found something just as valuable: a kindred spirit who also happens to be one of the most iconic faces of the 1980s. And if their friendship leads to even more incredible storytelling in the future, then everyone wins.
