Marina Squerciati, beloved for her role as Officer Kim Burgess on NBC’s Chicago P.D., just gave fans a rare and heartwarming glimpse into her personal life—and it’s melting hearts across the internet. In a sweet and unexpected post, the actress finally revealed her baby’s birthday, celebrating the special milestone with a tender photo that reminded everyone why she’s not just a fan-favorite on screen, but a cherished figure off-screen as well.
Known for keeping her personal life out of the spotlight, Marina has long embraced privacy when it comes to her child. Since announcing her pregnancy back in 2017, she’s rarely shared photos or specific details about her child. That’s why this recent photo—a rare moment of vulnerability and celebration—has struck such a chord with fans.
The photo, shared to her Instagram with the simple yet poignant caption “Happy birthday, my sweet one,” features a joyful snapshot of her holding hands with her child. The image doesn’t show the child’s face, preserving their privacy, but the affection and intimacy in the image say more than words ever could. A sunny background, tiny fingers clutching hers, and a soft smile on Marina’s face—the picture paints a thousand emotions.
Fans and fellow Chicago P.D. castmates were quick to flood the comments with messages of love, birthday wishes, and admiration for Marina’s grace and openness. “You’re such a wonderful mom, Marina,” wrote one user, while another chimed in, “Burgess is our hero on TV, but YOU are a real hero every day. Happy birthday to your little one!”
The photo also reignited admiration for Marina’s ability to juggle her demanding role on one of NBC’s most action-packed dramas with the equally intense demands of motherhood. It’s no secret that Marina’s character, Kim Burgess, has been through a rollercoaster of emotions—from shootings and breakups to adopting a child in the storyline. It now feels even more powerful knowing that off-screen, Marina is channeling some of that real-life love into her role.
It’s hard not to draw parallels between Marina’s real-life motherhood journey and her Chicago P.D. character’s arc. Over the past few seasons, viewers have seen Kim Burgess adopt Makayla, forming one of the show’s most emotional and impactful storylines. The challenges of balancing a dangerous job with caring for a child have been depicted with raw honesty—and Marina’s performance has been consistently praised for its depth and nuance.
While Marina has never explicitly drawn connections between her personal life and her acting, fans believe that her lived experience as a mother has helped breathe authenticity into Burgess’s journey. And with this birthday post, many now see Burgess’s emotional resonance as more than just acting—it’s rooted in something deeply real. Squerciati’s choice to keep her family life largely private while still engaging meaningfully with fans is part of what makes her such a respected figure in Hollywood. In a world where oversharing often rules, she’s taken a different path—prioritizing both connection and protection.
Her ability to set those boundaries while still letting fans into her life from time to time shows a thoughtful balance that many celebrities struggle to strike. The birthday photo wasn’t just a cute moment—it was a reminder that behind the badge and the stunts, there’s a devoted mother cherishing every moment.
With Season 12 of Chicago P.D. on the horizon, fans are eager to see what’s next for Officer Burgess. The show has promised deeper character development this season, especially in the wake of the emotional trauma that Kim has endured over the past two years. The chemistry between Burgess and Ruzek (played by Patrick John Flueger) continues to be one of the show’s anchors, and there’s speculation that we might see more co-parenting dynamics—or even a wedding.
Squerciati has already hinted in past interviews that the coming seasons will be “some of Burgess’s most transformative yet.” And now, with this personal milestone publicly shared, fans are more emotionally invested than ever. What makes Marina’s birthday tribute so powerful is its simplicity. No big party pics, no elaborate hashtags—just a quiet, meaningful moment between a mother and her child. In many ways, it’s the understated nature of the post that makes it resonate so deeply.
It speaks to the quieter joys of parenthood—the behind-the-scenes cuddles, the small hands grabbing yours, the milestones you don’t always broadcast but will never forget. That Marina chose to share even a piece of that with the world is a gift, one that reminds us all of the beauty in real, everyday moments. Marina Squerciati’s rare birthday photo of her child isn’t just a sweet social media post—it’s a reflection of her journey as an actress, a mother, and a private person navigating a very public life. For fans of Chicago P.D., it adds another layer of admiration for a woman who continues to give so much both on and off the screen.
