In a rare moment of personal vulnerability and joy, Chicago P.D. star Marina Squerciati took to social media to share something she’s kept private for years: the exact birthdate of her daughter. Accompanied by an endearing photo that lit up the hearts of fans around the world, the actress celebrated motherhood in a way she rarely does—openly and with unmistakable pride.

For longtime fans of the NBC police procedural, Marina Squerciati has always been known as the fierce, no-nonsense Officer Kim Burgess. Her portrayal has made her a household name among Chicago P.D. enthusiasts, and her character’s journey—from rookie patrol officer to an integral part of Intelligence—has been nothing short of compelling. But off-screen, Marina has been notably private, especially when it comes to her family life.

That’s what made this recent post so meaningful.

A Long-Awaited Reveal

On July 14, fans were surprised and delighted when Marina posted a sun-drenched snapshot of herself with her daughter. The caption was simple yet powerful:
“Happy birthday to my sunshine girl. You made your dramatic entrance into the world on May 8th—and every day since has been brighter because of you.”

For years, Marina had kept both her daughter’s face and birthdate away from the public eye. In Hollywood—where oversharing is often the norm—her decision to keep this part of her life sacred only made her fans more curious and respectful.

Now, by finally sharing that her daughter was born on May 8th, Marina gave her followers a small, beautiful window into her world as a mom.

The Photo That Spoke Volumes

The image itself, while not revealing her daughter’s face, was an emotional snapshot of connection. The pair stood holding hands in a field of tall grass, the little girl in a sunny yellow dress and Marina in casual jeans and a tee. The focus wasn’t on celebrity or glamour—it was on love, presence, and the quiet power of family.

While many celebrity moms flood Instagram with curated birthday parties and designer baby outfits, Marina’s approach was refreshingly grounded. No filters, no sponsors, just a mother honoring a moment with her child.

The reactions from fans were immediate and heartfelt.

“She’s glowing,” one user commented.
“Thank you for sharing this intimate piece of your life. We love you more for it,” said another.
Even castmates from Chicago P.D. chimed in with heart emojis and warm birthday wishes.

A Carefully Protected Life

Marina Squerciati gave birth to her daughter in 2017, and since then, she has fiercely protected her family’s privacy. In interviews, she’s often alluded to being a mother but has stopped short of giving names, dates, or images.

And it wasn’t for lack of interest—fans have speculated for years about Marina’s personal life, especially after she posted a now-deleted Instagram story from the hospital room just after giving birth. Even then, she chose to only show her hand wrapped around a tiny baby foot.

When asked in past interviews about balancing work and motherhood, Marina has spoken about the exhaustion, the joy, and the juggling act of parenting while filming a high-stakes, action-packed series like Chicago P.D. “I’m like every working mom,” she once said. “Trying to make it all happen, with a lot of caffeine and even more love.”

Why Now?

So why did she decide to share the birthday now, years later?

Theories abound, but the answer might be simple: her daughter is growing up, and Marina is stepping into a new chapter of motherhood—one where sharing doesn’t feel like a risk but rather a celebration.

It may also reflect Marina’s increasing comfort in blending her public and private identities. As an actress who has built her career on layered, emotionally complex performances, it’s not surprising that she would be intentional about when and how she shares her personal milestones. This timing could also reflect the changing nature of fan-celebrity relationships. More and more stars are reclaiming their narratives—not by oversharing, but by choosing what matters most and revealing it in their own time.

Balancing Act: Officer Burgess and Mom

As Chicago P.D. returns for its new season, fans are eager to see what lies ahead for Kim Burgess. Last season ended with emotional twists, including her ongoing relationship with Ruzek and her harrowing near-death experience that left fans shaken.

While Marina expertly navigates the emotional weight of her character’s trauma, it’s clear that her own life off-screen brings her strength. “I’ve lived in Burgess’s shoes for almost a decade now,” she told a TV Insider reporter last year. “But being a mom has taught me just as much about bravery and resilience as the show ever has.” That comment hits differently now, especially after this recent photo and reveal.

Fans Feel Closer Than Ever

The emotional impact of the post extended beyond likes and comments. Fans around the globe took to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to express their love and admiration.

One fan wrote, “You have no idea how much it means to see someone you admire embrace motherhood so quietly and so powerfully. Thank you for this glimpse.” Another added, “Seeing Kim Burgess go through everything she has on the show—and then seeing Marina beam with love for her daughter—it’s the perfect reminder that strength looks different in every setting.”

A New Chapter?

This tender reveal may signal a new era for Marina—one where she lets fans a little closer, on her terms. She’s not about the drama, the red carpets, or viral gossip. She’s about storytelling—on-screen and now, a little bit off-screen too. Whether she chooses to share more or this remains a one-time window into her private life, it’s clear that Marina’s story as a mother is just as compelling as her journey as an actress. As Chicago P.D. continues to evolve and as her daughter grows older, fans will undoubtedly be rooting for both Officer Kim Burgess and the strong woman who brings her to life.