Marina Squerciati is no stranger to going undercover in her role as Officer Kim Burgess on NBC’s Chicago P.D., but her recent beach outing proved that the actress can pull off low-profile looks just as convincingly in real life. Paparazzi snaps from a recent summer getaway have fans doing double takes—because the fan-favorite star looked completely unrecognizable in her incognito beach attire.
Gone were the tactical gear, the intense eyes of a patrol officer, and the high-stakes drama of Chicago’s criminal underworld. In their place? Oversized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed floppy hat, a breezy cover-up, and what can only be described as the ultimate off-duty vibe. If you passed her by on the boardwalk, you’d never guess you were walking next to one of primetime TV’s most recognizable faces.
The photos, which quickly made the rounds online, sparked a wave of disbelief and admiration from fans and celebrity watchers alike. “That’s Marina?? No way!” one fan posted on Twitter. “She looks like a completely different person—and I love it.” Another commented, “She deserves all the peace and privacy. Queen went full stealth mode and nailed it!” Indeed, Squerciati’s beach look was a masterclass in blending in. With minimal makeup and relaxed body language, she exuded the kind of quiet confidence that comes from truly disconnecting. Whether lounging with a book or strolling by the shore, she seemed far removed from the hustle of TV sets and intense shoot days.
Sources close to the actress say the beach escape was a much-needed reset. Between filming Chicago P.D.’s upcoming season and attending several charity events this year, Marina has had a packed schedule. “She needed a few days to recharge,” a close friend shared. “She loves the ocean, and being unrecognizable for once gave her the freedom to just be—no autographs, no cameras, just sun and solitude.”
That desire for normalcy is understandable, especially for someone whose face is seen weekly by millions of viewers. Squerciati’s portrayal of Burgess has made her a staple of the One Chicago universe. Fans have watched her character evolve from rookie to seasoned officer, navigating personal trauma, motherhood, and fierce loyalty to the badge—all while delivering powerful, emotionally charged performances. Yet away from the camera, Marina has always been fiercely protective of her privacy. Unlike many of her peers, she avoids oversharing on social media, instead choosing to post carefully curated glimpses of her life—often humorous, sometimes reflective, but rarely personal. Her recent incognito beach day is consistent with that ethos: recharge, relax, and return stronger.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Marina has gone under the radar in public. In previous interviews, she’s joked about being mistaken for “someone who kind of looks like that actress from Chicago P.D.” while running errands in New York. “It’s the best compliment,” she once said. “If I can play a cop and go undetected at the same time, I must be doing something right.”
Fans, of course, love the duality. Online, they’ve embraced her chameleon nature, even creating memes and hashtags like #UndercoverBurgess and #StealthSquerciati. One hilarious fan tweet read, “The way Marina Squerciati can go from arresting bad guys to becoming a beach ninja in 0.2 seconds? Iconic.” While the spotlight on her beach day may have been unintended, it only strengthened her bond with fans. Many took the opportunity to praise her for setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health.
“You never know what someone’s carrying,” one fan commented. “Seeing her take time to unwind reminds us that even our heroes need a break. We love you, Marina!” As Chicago P.D. gears up for another thrilling season, it’s clear Marina Squerciati will be returning to set refreshed, recharged, and ready to step back into Burgess’s boots. And while she may be unrecognizable at the beach, her talent, humility, and strength remain unmistakably hers.
