Eagle-eyed viewers of Chicago PD were quick to notice the absence of Detective Kim Burgess from two episodes of the latest season of the acclaimed police drama. Fans, accustomed to the steadfast presence of one of Intelligence’s most resilient officers, began to speculate about the character’s whereabouts. The mystery was recently resolved when the actress behind the beloved character, Marina Squerciati, revealed the heartwarming reason behind her brief disappearance: she secretly welcomed a new baby earlier this year.

Taking to Instagram, the 40-year-old actress shared the exciting news, explaining to her millions of followers why she wasn’t present for the initial episodes of the hit NBC show. In a series of candid photos, Squerciati proudly displayed her baby bump, accompanying the images with a witty caption that read, “2024 was a BIG year for me, literally. I thought I handled being a pregnant working mom with grace—swipe to see my daughter’s very different take.” This lighthearted remark was paired with a charmingly honest drawing by her firstborn, depicting her pregnant mother looking distinctly frazzled and angry – a humorous and relatable portrayal of the realities of pregnancy from a child’s perspective. Marina’s first daughter was born in 2017, a child she shares with her husband, Eli Kay-Oliphant. Now approximately seven years old, the eldest child eagerly embraces her role as a new big sister.

Squerciati went to considerable lengths to keep her pregnancy under wraps, managing to avoid any tell-tale baby bump photos on her social media channels throughout the past year. While she has not yet disclosed the exact date of her second child’s arrival, clues from her social media posts offer some insight. A picture showing her happily posing outdoors in a bikini and summer hat in Miami strongly suggests a warmer weather birth. Further solidifying this timeline, the actress walked the red carpet in January with no discernible sign of a baby bump, strongly hinting at a summer arrival for her newest family member.

This personal revelation adds another layer to the complex tapestry of Marina Squerciati’s life, echoing the themes of resilience, motherhood, and the constant balancing act between personal and professional life that so often define her character, Kim Burgess, on Chicago PD. Burgess’s journey on the show has been one of the most emotionally charged and captivating, reflecting a woman who has faced immense personal and professional trials. From her early days as a patrol officer dreaming of Intelligence, through a series of harrowing experiences including a traumatic miscarriage, a brutal kidnapping, and the profound decision to foster a child, Burgess has consistently embodied strength and vulnerability. Her character’s struggle with the desire for a family, coupled with the inherent dangers of her job, resonates deeply with viewers, making Squerciati’s real-life embrace of motherhood all the more poignant.

For actors in long-running, demanding series like Chicago PD, navigating real-life events such as pregnancy presents unique challenges. Production schedules are meticulously planned, and the absence of a key cast member can have significant ripple effects. Television shows often employ various strategies to accommodate a pregnant actress: sometimes the pregnancy is written into the character’s storyline, as has been seen in other popular dramas; in other instances, creative camera angles, strategic placement of props, or temporary character absences are utilized. In Squerciati’s case, her brief hiatus from the show was seamlessly integrated, a testament to the efficient planning and storytelling of the Chicago PD writers and producers, allowing her to prioritize her family while the narrative continued its compelling trajectory.

Squerciati herself has been openly reflective about the post-natal experience. Recalling her first pregnancy, she admitted to Chicago Parent that while she took several months off work, her return to a fitness routine was a longer, more gradual process than she had initially anticipated. “Because I was fit beforehand, I thought I would just bounce back,” she shared. “I remember [asking] my doctor, ‘When can I get back in the gym?’ He said six weeks [but] I don’t think I went back to the gym until eight months, and I’m only now at nine months feeling like my body’s mine again.”

Her candidness extends to critiquing societal expectations placed on new mothers. “We sort of play down how hard [giving birth] is on the body and how much you need to recoup,” she observed. “We’re such a busy, do-it-all culture that if you can, take the time to sort of be still and heal. Not even just physically, but emotionally. You don’t have to start being yourself four weeks later.” She highlighted the importance of self-care, even in small doses, recounting how a friend encouraged her to take just 30 minutes in a sauna. “I was a better mom that day. I worked hard and I needed a few minutes to decompress and I took that.” It’s a sentiment many new parents can undoubtedly relate to, emphasizing the crucial need for self-compassion during a transformative period of life.

The One Chicago universe – encompassing Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med – has always excelled at blending intense, high-stakes professional drama with deeply personal narratives. These shows delve into the lives of first responders, showcasing not just their heroic actions but also their struggles, relationships, and the profound impact their demanding careers have on their personal lives. It’s this intricate balance that has cultivated such a loyal and invested fanbase. The stories of the actors, like Marina Squerciati, often mirror the very human themes explored within the shows, strengthening the connection between the audience and the characters they portray. The dedication of these performers to both their craft and their families truly embodies the spirit of resilience that defines the One Chicago franchise.

As Marina Squerciati embraces this new chapter of motherhood, fans wish her and her growing family all the best. Her transparency about her pregnancy and her insightful advice on post-natal recovery offer a valuable perspective, reinforcing the universal truths about the joys and challenges of raising a family while pursuing a demanding career. Her return to Chicago PD ensures that Detective Kim Burgess will continue her compelling journey, a character made even richer by the real-life experiences and profound understanding of motherhood that Marina Squerciati brings to the screen.