The One Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med, has captured the hearts of viewers with its gripping stories of bravery, dedication, and, of course, love. The intense relationships between characters like Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek, Hailey Upton and Jay Halstead, or Sylvie Brett and Matt Casey have made fans deeply invested in their on-screen romances. This has led many to wonder: have any of these popular couples dated off-screen? Has the chemistry seen on the shows ever sparked real-life romances among the actors? The answer is both fascinating and nuanced, reflecting the complexity of blending professional and personal lives in the entertainment industry.
On-screen chemistry is essential for any successful love story, and in the One Chicago universe, it often feels electric. Jesse Lee Soffer and Marina Squerciati, who play Adam Ruzek and Kim Burgess, are a prime example. Their characters, often called “Burzek” by fans, share a passionate and sometimes tumultuous relationship that has been a cornerstone of Chicago P.D. for years. Despite this, Jesse and Marina have maintained a close friendship rather than a romantic relationship in real life. Both actors have spoken about the importance of keeping their personal and professional lives separate, focusing on delivering authentic performances while respecting boundaries off-camera. Their enduring friendship highlights how actors can create believable romance through talent and mutual respect, without needing a real-life relationship to fuel their performances.
Similarly, Tracy Spiridakos and Jesse Lee Soffer, who portray Hailey Upton and Jay Halstead (popularly known as “Upstead”), share undeniable on-screen chemistry. However, their relationship off-screen remains strictly professional. Tracy has been private about her personal life, and Jesse’s romantic history involves individuals outside the One Chicago cast. Their connection is built on trust and collaboration as co-stars rather than romance. This dynamic allows them to focus on the intense emotional and moral conflicts their characters face without the complications that sometimes arise when real-life relationships intersect with on-screen roles.
The couple known as “Brettsey,” made up of Sylvie Brett and Matt Casey from Chicago Fire, is another fan favorite. Taylor Kinney and Kara Killmer, the actors behind these characters, have forged a strong professional relationship and friendship but have not dated in real life. Taylor Kinney’s well-known relationship and eventual marriage to Lady Gaga has been the subject of much media attention, but his connection with Kara remains purely platonic. Kara has expressed deep respect for Taylor as a colleague, and their ability to portray a loving couple so convincingly on screen is a testament to their professionalism and acting skills.
While the main One Chicago couples have not crossed into real-life romance, some supporting cast members have reportedly developed personal connections during their time on the shows. However, these relationships tend to remain private, and no widely publicized romances have emerged directly from the core couples fans adore.
The question arises: why do so many actors avoid dating their co-stars, especially in shows where relationships are central? Filming a series like One Chicago demands long hours and emotional vulnerability, and mixing personal relationships with professional ones can complicate matters. On-set romances might lead to tension if things go awry, and the added public scrutiny can make privacy hard to maintain. Many actors prefer to keep their personal lives separate to protect both their work environment and personal wellbeing.
