Chicago P.D. fans have watched Officer Kim Burgess evolve from a tough cop into a devoted adoptive mom on screen — but in real life, Marina Squerciati is living an even more impressive balancing act that has everyone wondering: how does she manage two young kids, a demanding full-time role on one of TV’s biggest procedurals, and still look this composed?
The 41-year-old actress, who has played Burgess since the show’s 2014 premiere, quietly welcomed her second child in late 2024 with husband Eli Kay-Oliphant. The news came as a surprise to many fans when she finally shared it in early 2025, keeping the pregnancy and birth extremely private. Squerciati is already mom to a daughter (born in 2017), and the arrival of baby number two has only intensified admiration for how she juggles Hollywood hustle with real-life motherhood.
In a recent candid conversation, Squerciati opened up about the daily chaos — and the strategies that keep her sane. “It’s constant multi-tasking,” she admitted with a laugh. “One minute I’m chasing a suspect on set, the next I’m rushing home for bedtime stories or dealing with toddler tantrums. There’s no perfect formula, but I’ve learned to let go of the idea that I have to be perfect at everything.”
Her mornings often begin before sunrise. After a quick workout or meditation session to center herself, she handles school drop-off (when filming allows) or coordinates with her husband, a successful attorney who helps shoulder the load. On heavy filming days, she relies on a tight support system — family, a trusted nanny, and understanding co-stars like Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek), who has become like extended family both on and off screen.
Squerciati says her on-screen motherhood journey with Burgess has mirrored her own in unexpected ways. “Playing a single mom navigating work, dating, and raising a child forced me to dig deep into my own experiences,” she shared. “Burgess’s struggles with balance, guilt, and fierce love feel very real to me now more than ever with two little ones at home.”
Despite the grind of 10+ hour filming days in Chicago, she makes family non-negotiable. Weekends are reserved for low-key activities: park outings, baking cookies, or cozy movie nights. She rarely shares photos of her children publicly to protect their privacy, but when she does post a rare glimpse — like a sweet moment with her daughter at a Broadway show or a blurry shot of tiny feet — fans flood the comments with support.
Her husband Eli plays a huge role in making it work. The couple, married since 2016, keeps their relationship strong through intentional date nights and teamwork. “We tag-team everything,” she said. “Some days he’s the hero getting dinner on the table; other days I am. We’re a true partnership.”
Even with two kids under her roof, Squerciati shows no signs of slowing down on Chicago P.D. Season 13. Her character’s storylines continue to explore themes of family, loyalty, and resilience — topics that now hit even closer to home.
For working moms everywhere, Marina Squerciati has become a quiet role model: proof that you can chase big career dreams while pouring love into your family, even if it means running on caffeine and sheer determination most days.
She may not have it all figured out — and she’s the first to admit she’s “just doing okay, not killing it” — but to fans and fellow parents, she’s doing something pretty remarkable