The occasion? A glamorous premiere gala in Los Angeles celebrating the new season of NBC’s One Chicago franchise. While the evening brought out plenty of familiar faces from Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D., all eyes were on Marina, who turned heads not only with her sophisticated style but also with the man by her side: her husband, Eli Kay-Oliphant.
Wearing a flowing black off-shoulder gown with subtle silver accents and minimal jewelry, Marina exuded classic elegance. Her husband, dressed in a tailored navy suit and dark tie, complemented her perfectly, walking with quiet confidence and a calm demeanor. It was a striking sight—not because of any over-the-top fashion statements, but because of the genuine comfort and affection between the two. There were no exaggerated poses, no public displays of performance—just a couple enjoying the moment together.
Marina and Eli’s relationship has always been low-key, and that’s exactly how the actress prefers it. In interviews, she’s made it clear that she values the ability to separate her personal life from the Hollywood spotlight. “I love what I do,” she once said. “But I also love having a life that’s just mine, that’s just ours.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans who respect her choice to keep some things sacred, especially in an era where overexposure has become the norm.
Still, that hasn’t stopped fans from being curious. Very little is publicly known about Eli Kay-Oliphant, aside from the fact that he is a well-established attorney. The couple reportedly met years before Marina’s rise to television fame and have built a life together grounded in mutual respect, privacy, and support. They share a daughter, born in 2017, and have managed to keep their family life largely out of public view—no small feat for someone starring in one of network TV’s most-watched shows.
So why make a red carpet appearance now? Sources close to the event suggest that the decision was a personal one. With Marina entering her tenth season on Chicago P.D., and with the One Chicago franchise celebrating a major milestone, it seemed like the perfect moment for a rare public outing. And judging by the warm smiles and easy laughter shared between them, it’s clear the couple was simply enjoying the celebration.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration and surprise. “I had no idea she was married!” wrote one Twitter user. “She looks so happy and elegant—love seeing her with her husband.” Another added, “They’re such a classy couple. Love how she keeps her personal life grounded and real.”
Indeed, in a world filled with fast-paced romances and Instagram-ready love stories, Marina’s approach feels refreshingly authentic. Her relationship with Eli may not generate tabloid headlines, but it speaks volumes about the kind of life she values—one centered on balance, stability, and staying true to oneself.
Of course, Marina’s grounded nature has long been a cornerstone of her appeal. As Officer Kim Burgess on Chicago P.D., she portrays a character defined by grit, heart, and emotional depth. Over the years, fans have watched Burgess endure heartbreak, trauma, and physical danger—yet always rise again, stronger and more determined. That same resilience seems to echo in Marina herself, who has navigated the pressures of network stardom with quiet strength and grace.
She’s also formed close bonds with her Chicago P.D. castmates, many of whom were also in attendance at the red carpet event. Photos showed Marina laughing with co-stars Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek) and LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater), while hugging producers and directors she’s worked with since the show’s inception. But it was her moments with Eli that fans and photographers lingered on—capturing a glimpse of the woman behind the badge, outside the gritty streets of Chicago.
Though Marina rarely discusses her personal life in interviews, she has occasionally acknowledged the importance of having a strong support system. “My husband is my rock,” she once said in a brief comment during a panel event. “He keeps me grounded, reminds me what matters, and makes me laugh when I need it most.”
As the red carpet wrapped and guests made their way inside for the screening and reception, Marina and Eli quietly slipped into the crowd—no attention-seeking exit, no last-minute photo ops. It was a fitting end to an appearance that felt more like a heartfelt celebration than a PR spectacle.
With Chicago P.D. heading into new territory and Marina continuing to shine as one of its emotional anchors, fans will no doubt be eager to see what comes next for both the character of Kim Burgess and the woman who plays her. But for now, the red carpet moment with her rarely-seen husband served as a gentle, beautiful reminder: behind every strong woman on-screen, there often stands a quiet pillar of support—and sometimes, that support wears a navy blue suit and prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
