Marina Squerciati, the heart and soul behind Detective Kim Burgess on Chicago P.D., is more than just a talented actress lighting up NBC’s gritty police drama. Her vibrant off-screen adventures—from glamorous global travels to heartwarming cast reunions—have become a beacon for One Chicago fans, amplifying the show’s allure and proving that Squerciati’s star power extends far beyond the 21st District. As Chicago P.D. charges through its 12th season in 2025, Squerciati’s real-life escapades are sparking buzz, deepening fan connections, and elevating the franchise’s cultural impact.
A Jet-Setter with a Fan-Favorite Flair
Squerciati’s off-screen life is a whirlwind of adventure that keeps fans glued to her Instagram Stories and X posts. In April 2025, she jetted off to Budapest, Hungary, where she reunited with Chicago P.D. alum Tracy Spiridakos, who played Detective Hailey Upton until her Season 11 exit. The duo’s selfies in front of the Hungarian Parliament Building and playful, “super-touristy” photo ops had fans swooning over their real-life friendship. “Not too jet-lagged to take dumb photos,” Squerciati quipped on Instagram, showcasing her knack for blending humor with relatability. This trip wasn’t just a vacation—it was a celebration of the enduring bonds formed on the Chicago P.D. set, reminding fans of the cast’s tight-knit chemistry that fuels the show’s emotional depth.
Her travels don’t stop there. In 2023, Squerciati joined Chicago Med alum Torrey DeVitto for a “friend trip” to Israel, sipping wine at Tulip Winery and sharing cozy photos that sparked a frenzy among fans. The hashtags #torinatrip and #bestiegoals trended on X, with fans gushing over the crossover of One Chicago stars. More recently, her stunning lime green ensemble in Morocco, dubbed “Greek Goddess” by Chi-Hards, coincided with the airing of Chicago P.D.’s pivotal Season 12 episode “Demons” in April 2025. The glamorous post not only showcased her style but also amplified the episode’s buzz, proving her ability to intertwine her personal adventures with the show’s narrative.
Hosting Epic One Chicago Gatherings
Squerciati’s knack for bringing people together is legendary, and her off-screen gatherings have become the stuff of One Chicago lore. On February 3, 2025, she hosted a “super-sized wine night” for the leading ladies of Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med, including Hanako Greensmith, Miranda Rae Mayo, and S. Epatha Merkerson. The Instagram carousel captured candid moments of sushi, wine, and laughter, with Squerciati’s caption—“Great women. Great food. Great wine. Great night.”—resonating with fans who flooded X with praise for the franchise’s sisterhood. Even Reem Amara and Ashley Cruger, partners of co-stars Patrick John Flueger and Taylor Kinney, joined the fun, highlighting the extended One Chicago family. This event wasn’t just a party; it was a testament to Squerciati’s role as a unifying force, strengthening the franchise’s appeal across its three shows.
Her hospitality extends to milestone celebrations too. In 2017, Squerciati’s baby shower, thrown by co-stars Sophia Bush and Amy Morton, brought together the women of One Chicago for a flower-crown-filled bash. She insisted on no traditional games, opting for a vibe of pure fun, which reflected her down-to-earth charm. Fast forward to 2025, and Squerciati’s planning for her character’s on-screen wedding as Kim Burgess to Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) has fans in a frenzy. Her March Instagram post, asking fans to help pick a wedding dress from Chicago’s Mira Couture, went viral, with thousands weighing in on the “Burzek” nuptials set to close Season 12. These moments show how Squerciati’s off-screen warmth fuels fan engagement, making Chicago P.D.’s milestones feel personal.
Balancing Motherhood and Stardom
Squerciati’s off-screen life took a joyful turn with the birth of her second child in 2024, a milestone that briefly kept her off Chicago P.D.’s Season 12 premiere. The show cleverly wrote Burgess out by sending her to a NAWLEE conference, but Squerciati’s New Year’s Day Instagram post revealed the real reason: her growing family with husband Eli Kay-Oliphant. Fans celebrated her return in episode 3, “Off Switch,” where Burgess supported Ruzek after a tragic case. Her ability to juggle motherhood, international travel, and a demanding role as a newly promoted detective on Chicago P.D. has earned her admiration, with X posts calling her a “superhero mom” and “Burgess goals.” Her 2017 pregnancy was similarly seamless, with Chicago’s cold weather hiding her bump under coats and vests, proving her dedication to the show.
Giving Back with Heart
Beyond the glitz, Squerciati’s off-screen adventures include meaningful charity work that resonates with Chicago P.D.’s themes of community and justice. In a 2024 Deadline interview, she shared her hands-on efforts at a Chicago migrant shelter, where she speaks fluent Spanish to assist families with food, coats, and playdates for kids. “There’s a migrant crisis, and we need to help,” she said, emphasizing grassroots action. This commitment mirrors Burgess’s humanity-driven policing, endearing Squerciati to fans who see her as a real-life hero. Her advocacy adds depth to Chicago P.D.’s narrative, making it more than just a cop drama but a reflection of real-world challenges.
