It’s not every day that a celebrity post melts the internet — but Tracy Spiridakos, star of NBC’s hit crime drama Chicago P.D., recently did just that. When the actress shared a heartfelt photo of herself with her mother, fans were instantly struck by how much the two women resembled each other. The resemblance wasn’t just similar — it was uncanny. Fans flooded social media with comments, many doing double-takes, others convinced the picture was a throwback of Tracy herself.
Spiridakos, who plays Detective Hailey Upton on the long-running police procedural, is known for her steely resolve on-screen, often portraying a tough, emotionally guarded officer navigating some of the show’s darkest cases. But off-screen, the actress regularly delights her followers with glimpses into her personal life, including funny behind-the-scenes clips, adorable dog photos, and occasional nods to her Greek heritage. However, the post featuring her mom touched fans in a uniquely powerful way.
The now-viral image shows Tracy and her mother side by side, smiling warmly — a striking visual of familial love and undeniable genetic connection. From their bright eyes and sharp cheekbones to their infectious grins, it’s clear that beauty runs in the family. Fans instantly began reposting the image, tagging friends and writing comments like, “Tracy Spiridakos cloned herself,” and “Now we know where she gets her gorgeous smile!”
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As fans continue to dissect every pixel of the photo, many are revisiting Tracy’s career and noting just how consistent she’s been in honoring her roots and upbringing. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, to Greek parents, Spiridakos has always been vocal about her family’s role in shaping her identity. In past interviews, she’s credited her mother with being a strong influence — someone who helped her stay grounded in an industry that can often be overwhelming. “She’s the strongest woman I know,” Tracy once said of her mom in an interview. “Growing up, she showed me what it means to work hard, be kind, and never give up. Everything I am is because of her.”
That strong maternal influence may also explain Tracy’s nuanced portrayal of Hailey Upton — a character who is equal parts fierce and vulnerable, brave and conflicted. Upton has often been portrayed as a lone wolf, someone who bottles up her emotions while throwing herself into her work. But even in those hardened moments, Spiridakos brings subtle hints of softness, the kind of emotional depth that feels rooted in real-life experience. Many fans believe that’s the kind of depth only someone with strong, meaningful relationships can authentically convey.
Interestingly, this photo of Tracy and her mom came at a particularly poignant time for Chicago P.D. fans. With Season 12 nearing its dramatic conclusion, and with Spiridakos confirming her exit from the series at the end of the season, fans have been feeling more emotional than ever about her character. Seeing Tracy’s mother — the woman who helped shape her into the performer and person fans love — made many reflect on how much they’ll miss her presence on the show. “It’s not just Hailey Upton leaving,” one fan commented. “It’s Tracy, the heart of the unit. Seeing her mom just reminds us how much love and humanity she brought to that role.”
The comments weren’t just about looks — though that was the main talking point. Many fans expressed admiration for the mother-daughter bond and the way Spiridakos never forgets to acknowledge those who helped her get to where she is. In an industry often obsessed with the next role, the next red carpet, or the next trending headline, Tracy’s post reminded people of something simpler but more powerful: family.
The photo’s warmth sparked thousands of likes, retweets, and threads, with fans from around the world chiming in. From Greece to Chicago to small towns across the U.S., the message resonated the same: Tracy and her mom are stunning, and the love between them is even more beautiful.
