Marina Squerciati has become one of the defining faces of Chicago P.D. through her portrayal of Officer Kim Burgess. Since the series premiered in 2014, Burgess has grown from a young patrol officer into one of the Intelligence Unit’s most trusted detectives, making Squerciati a fan favorite across the One Chicago universe. Her emotional performances and ability to balance action with heartfelt moments have helped make Kim Burgess one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Born on April 30, 1984, in New York City, Marina Squerciati comes from a family with strong ties to both business and the arts. She spent part of her childhood in Mississippi before returning to New York, where she developed a passion for acting. She later graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in theater, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually lead her to one of television’s biggest police dramas.
Before joining Chicago P.D., Squerciati steadily built her acting résumé with appearances in both film and television. She appeared in projects such as Gossip Girl, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, while also earning recognition for her work on the Broadway stage. Those experiences helped showcase her versatility long before she landed the role that would define her career.
Away from the spotlight, Marina Squerciati prefers to keep much of her personal life private. She is married to attorney Eli Kay Oliphant, and together they have a daughter. Although she occasionally shares glimpses of family life on social media, she has consistently chosen to keep her loved ones out of the public eye, allowing her work to remain the focus of her public profile.
One interesting fact about Squerciati is that she has maintained a strong connection to theater throughout her career. Even after finding success on television, she has often spoken about how her stage experience shaped her approach to acting. Fans also enjoy seeing her playful personality behind the scenes, where cast members frequently share photos and videos highlighting the close friendships formed during years of filming in Chicago.
As Kim Burgess, Squerciati has been part of Chicago P.D. since the very beginning. Introduced as a dedicated patrol officer, Burgess gradually earned her place in Sergeant Hank Voight’s Intelligence Unit through determination, resilience, and exceptional investigative instincts. Over the years, viewers have watched her overcome dangerous undercover operations, personal tragedies, and emotionally challenging cases, making her one of the most developed characters in the series.
No storyline has been more important to Burgess than her relationship with Officer Adam Ruzek, played by Patrick John Flueger. Their romance has experienced numerous twists and turns, including an early engagement, breakups, reconciliations, and the emotional journey of raising Makayla together. Despite facing countless obstacles, Burgess and Ruzek have remained one of Chicago P.D.‘s most popular couples, with many fans celebrating every milestone in their relationship.
Off screen, Marina Squerciati and Patrick John Flueger have developed a genuine friendship that has helped bring authenticity to Burgess and Ruzek’s relationship. Squerciati also shares a close bond with many members of the Chicago P.D. cast, including Jason Beghe, LaRoyce Hawkins, Tracy Spiridakos, Amy Morton, and Benjamin Levy Aguilar. The strong camaraderie among the cast has often been praised by fans, who enjoy seeing their behind the scenes interactions.
More than a decade after Chicago P.D. premiered, Marina Squerciati remains one of the series’ most recognizable and admired stars. Her portrayal of Kim Burgess has evolved alongside the show itself, transforming the character into a symbol of perseverance, compassion, and courage. As the One Chicago franchise continues to grow, Squerciati’s performance remains an essential part of the show’s lasting success and one of the biggest reasons viewers continue to return to Intelligence Unit week after week.