Spotlight on Sara Bues: Rising Star of Chicago P.D.

Actress Sara Bues has captured audiences as the ambitious Assistant State Attorney Nina Chapman on NBC’s Chicago P.D., a gripping police drama that follows the officers and intelligence unit of the 21st District of the Chicago Police Department. A spin-off of Chicago Fire, the series has showcased Bues since her debut in Season 9, continuing to make an impact alongside the cast in Season 12.

A Chicago Connection – Though originally from Long Island, New York, Bues has a deep-rooted connection to Chicago. She spent time in the Windy City while honing her acting skills at the esteemed Acting Studio Chicago. This training ground, renowned for its comprehensive classes for both youth and adults, helped her develop her craft and even led to her starring in a 2016 short film.

Virtual Stage and Complex Characters – In 2021, Bues took on the role of Samantha (“Sam”) in the virtual play Tiny House, produced by Westport Country Playhouse. This innovative production was rehearsed over Zoom and explored family dynamics during a Fourth of July barbecue gone awry. Reflecting on her character, Bues noted, “Sam has so many layers and is flawed in a lot of different ways.” She highlighted the importance of family dysfunction in the narrative, stating, “Family relationships have the most impact on us, whether we want them to or not.”

Bues appreciated the complexity of her character, emphasizing that Tiny House presented a unique opportunity for her to confront familial issues rather than escape from them. “What excites me about Sam is her reckoning with her mother, Billy,” she explained, showcasing the character’s journey toward facing her problems.

A Strong Resume – Before her pivotal role in Chicago P.D., Bues appeared on FBI and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2018. Her acting range also includes credits in City on a Hill and the 2019 short film Cassandra, where she portrayed a police officer named Crawley. Her performance in Cassandra earned her an acting nomination at the SENSEI FilmFest, which celebrates indie creators and their contributions to film.

Stay Connected – Fans of Sara Bues can follow her journey on Instagram at @buesical. With new episodes of Chicago P.D. airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, audiences can look forward to more of her compelling performances. As her career continues to flourish, Bues is certainly a talent to watch.