For more than a decade, Marina Squerciati has been the beating heart of Chicago P.D. as Officer Kim Burgess, a fan-favorite whose grit, resilience, and emotional depth made her one of the most beloved characters in the entire One Chicago universe. But now, after years of speculation, rumors, and cliffhangers that left viewers bracing for the worst, Squerciati has finally spoken out about her shocking departure from the series — and the truth is even more emotional than fans expected.
In a candid and emotional interview, Squerciati confirmed that her run on Chicago P.D. is officially over, calling the decision “the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do professionally.” She admitted that leaving Burgess behind was like “saying goodbye to family,” but ultimately revealed that the timing felt right, both for her personally and for the evolution of the show.
“I grew up with this character,” Squerciati explained. “Kim Burgess has been my home for more than ten years. I laughed with her, I cried with her, I fell apart and put myself back together again with her. But at some point, you feel the pull — the need to try something new, to take a leap. And that’s where I am now.”
Her words immediately ignited a storm of reactions online. Fans who had already been reeling from Burgess’ intense Season 11 storyline — where she barely survived being shot and later struggled with PTSD — felt betrayed that she wouldn’t be around to continue her healing arc. On social media, phrases like “Burgess deserved better” and “No Burgess, no P.D.” trended within minutes of the announcement, a testament to how deeply audiences connected with her.
Behind the scenes, insiders say Squerciati’s decision wasn’t abrupt. The actress reportedly had long discussions with showrunners, who worked to craft an exit storyline worthy of Burgess’ legacy. While producers remain tight-lipped about the exact details of her final episode, one insider hinted that “it’s going to hurt, but it’s going to honor everything Burgess has stood for.” That cryptic comment has only fueled speculation among fans, with theories ranging from a heroic sacrifice to a bittersweet goodbye that leaves the door open for a future return.
Co-stars wasted no time sharing their love and heartbreak over the news. Patrick John Flueger (Ruzek) posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Marina “the fiercest partner on and off screen” and teasing that their final scenes together “might break you.” Jason Beghe (Voight) praised her for bringing “fire, vulnerability, and truth” to the series, while several One Chicago alumni chimed in with their own emotional goodbyes.
For Squerciati, the future looks wide open. Though she hasn’t announced her next project yet, sources close to the actress suggest she’s been approached for both high-profile streaming dramas and feature films. Her exit, while devastating for fans, may mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.
Still, for loyal viewers of Chicago P.D., the loss of Burgess is monumental. She wasn’t just another cop in the unit — she was the emotional core, the fighter who refused to give up even when the world tried to break her. And now, as Season 12 moves forward without her, fans are left to grapple with the same feeling Burgess herself embodied so many times before: resilience in the face of heartbreak.
As one fan posted in a viral comment: “Marina gave us her heart for 11 years. The least we can do is let her take it back.”
