Marina Squerciati has captured hearts as Officer Kim Burgess on NBC’s Chicago P.D., portraying one of the most complex and resilient female cops on primetime television. But earlier this year, fans were left puzzled when Season 12 returned and Burgess was suddenly missing from the first two episodes. There was no dramatic storyline exit, no off-screen explanation — she was simply absent. Now, months later, the reason has finally come to light, and it’s both heartwarming and deeply personal: Marina Squerciati quietly welcomed her second child in real life, making 2024 a milestone year for the actress, both professionally and personally. In a rare and touching moment of vulnerability, Squerciati revealed the news via Instagram on New Year’s Day, posting a photo of baby clothes with the simple but powerful caption, “2024 was BIG. I had a baby.”
With that single post, fans instantly connected the dots and realized that while they were wondering where Burgess had gone, Marina had been off-screen embracing motherhood once again. The reveal was met with an outpouring of love from fans and fellow cast members alike, many of whom had no idea she was even pregnant. That’s because Squerciati had kept her pregnancy completely private, avoiding red carpets and public appearances for much of 2023. It’s not the first time she’s protected her family life with such grace and discretion — in fact, Marina has always drawn a careful line between her personal world and the fictional one of Chicago P.D. This new baby is her second child with husband Eli Kay-Oliphant, a respected attorney, with whom she already shares a daughter born in 2017.
The couple has always kept their family life low-key, and the actress rarely posts images of her children, choosing instead to offer small, heartfelt glimpses when the moment feels right. Fans have long admired her for this balance — showing the strength and vulnerability of motherhood through Kim Burgess on-screen, while shielding her own real-life role as a mom from public overexposure. The timing of the announcement also explained why Kim Burgess, a central figure in the show’s recent seasons, was missing from some of the most important episodes of the current arc. The writers didn’t give Burgess an elaborate exit, but chose to simply have her off-screen, possibly on leave or working elsewhere, allowing Marina the space she needed without disrupting the long-term continuity of her character. It was a subtle but respectful choice that spoke volumes about how much the Chicago P.D. family supports its cast off-screen as much as on. Inside sources close to production say the entire cast was thrilled for Marina and that the team adjusted the filming schedule wherever possible to accommodate her leave.
Tracy Spiridakos, who plays Hailey Upton, commented privately that Marina was “absolutely glowing” when she returned to set, and that everyone welcomed her back with open arms. Behind the scenes, her quiet strength and professionalism have long made her a role model for other working moms in the entertainment industry. In many ways, life is imitating art. Kim Burgess has faced enormous challenges on Chicago P.D. — surviving a brutal attack, balancing motherhood with the demands of law enforcement, and navigating an intense relationship with Adam Ruzek. Marina’s ability to bring those emotional storylines to life has earned her praise from critics and fans alike.
As Chicago P.D. continues its 12th season, Marina’s return has been met with excitement and relief. Burgess is once again back in uniform, ready to take on the dangerous streets of Chicago and all the emotional depth that comes with the role. Fans are hopeful that the second half of the season will explore more of her relationship with Ruzek, possibly even revisiting their co-parenting dynamic as a parallel to Marina’s own evolving role as a mom of two. With her real-life experience now deeper and richer, it’s easy to imagine her bringing even more authenticity to the role. The truth is, balancing motherhood with a demanding acting career is no easy feat — especially when it involves a hit drama known for late-night shoots, action sequences, and emotionally draining storylines. But if anyone can do it, it’s Marina Squerciati. Her return to Chicago P.D. isn’t just a win for the show — it’s a testament to her resilience, her professionalism, and the quiet strength that makes her one of the most respected members of the One Chicago family.
