While Marina Squerciati faces intense drama as Officer Kim Burgess on NBC’s long-running hit Chicago P.D., her real-life love story is refreshingly low-key and deeply grounded. Away from the squad room and crime-ridden streets of Chicago, Marina shares a quiet and fulfilling life with the man who has known her long before Hollywood fame — her college sweetheart turned husband, Eli Kay-Oliphant.
Eli may not be in the spotlight, but his accomplishments are nothing short of impressive. A respected attorney with experience in complex litigation and civil cases, Eli has built a successful career representing clients in high-profile and sensitive matters. He has worked for firms like Sparacino PLLC and has a reputation for being thoughtful, strategic, and effective in the courtroom. Though he stays largely out of the Hollywood limelight, Eli’s profile rose slightly when he represented the family of Seth Rich in a notable lawsuit against Fox News. But even as public attention briefly turned to him, he kept a low-key presence, reflecting the couple’s broader approach to fame — one of grace and privacy.
Marina and Eli married in 2016, a full-circle moment for the couple who had already shared so many life experiences together. Despite Marina’s rising profile on Chicago P.D., their wedding and life since have remained remarkably grounded.In May 2017, Marina announced that she had become a mother, sharing the joyful news with her fans via Instagram. She didn’t disclose many details, choosing to protect her family’s privacy. “Sorry I’ve been MIA… been busy making a human!” she joked at the time. Since then, she’s balanced life as a working mom and a full-time actress, often expressing how grateful she is for the support Eli provides behind the scenes. In 2024, the couple welcomed their second child, a fact Marina shared in her typically humorous style — referencing a drawing her daughter made of the family that adorably depicted the new baby bump. Fans were thrilled to learn that their favorite Chicago P.D. star was growing her family once again, all while continuing her powerful portrayal of Kim Burgess on screen.
What stands out about Marina and Eli is how deliberately private they are in a world that often celebrates oversharing. While Marina occasionally posts heartfelt moments on social media, she never lets the public into the deeper corners of her marriage or family life. It’s a conscious boundary, one that helps her preserve a sense of normalcy in the whirlwind of television production and public attention. They currently live in Chicago, where Chicago P.D. is filmed, which allows Marina to stay close to work while maintaining a consistent environment for their children. And Eli’s legal career continues to flourish in the same city — making their arrangement not just romantic, but logistically ideal.
What makes Marina and Eli’s story so appealing to fans is its relatability. While many celebrity couples meet under the glare of paparazzi cameras or on glamorous movie sets, theirs began in the most ordinary of places — a college campus, where long nights of studying and mutual ambition formed a deep and authentic connection. Their story is also a refreshing reminder that not all Hollywood romances burn bright and fast. Some, like Marina and Eli’s, are slow-burning, steady, and rooted in the kind of shared history that helps weather storms — both personal and professional.
In many ways, Marina and Eli are a true power couple. She brings intense emotion, vulnerability, and courage to her role on Chicago P.D., while he brings clarity, intellect, and determination to the courtroom. They don’t need the spotlight to validate their success — it’s evident in their balance, their mutual respect, and their unwavering support for one another. As Marina continues to impress audiences with her portrayal of Kim Burgess — a character who has overcome trauma, heartbreak, and near-death experiences — it’s comforting to know that off-screen, she is supported by a strong and stable partner who has been by her side since the very beginning.
