Marina Squerciati, known for her compelling presence and dynamic performances, transitioned from a rich theater background into film and television during the 2000s, eventually rising to prominence as the determined Officer Kim Burgess on “Chicago P.D.” (NBC, 2014– ). Born Marina Teresa Squerciati on April 30, 1984, in New York City, she actually made her first appearance on screen at a young age—not as an actress yet, but as a dancer in Emile Ardolino’s cinematic adaptation of “The Nutcracker” back in 1993. That early experience planted a seed, and over time, Marina Squerciati nurtured her passion through rigorous training—studying theater at Northwestern University and honing her dance skills at the prestigious School of American Ballet.
Her professional stage career kicked off at the Williamson Theatre Festival, marking the beginning of what would become a deeply rooted journey in live performance. Eventually, Marina Squerciati returned to New York, where she took on notable Off-Broadway roles in productions like “Beauty of the Father” and “Manipulation.” But it was her portrayal of legendary comic actress Judy Holliday in “Just In Time: The Judy Holliday Story” that truly turned heads. Critics praised her performance, and Marina Squerciati brought the production all the way from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to Broadway, earning the Agnes Moorhead Award along the way—a significant milestone in her artistic evolution.
Breaking into screen acting around 2009, Marina Squerciati started with guest appearances on high-profile series such as “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (NBC, 2001–2011) and “Damages” (FX/The Audience Network, 2007–2012). That same year, she made her feature film debut in Nancy Meyers’ “It’s Complicated,” stepping into the world of mainstream cinema with quiet confidence. Over the next few years, Marina Squerciati balanced small but meaningful roles in independent films—including Noah Baumbach’s critically acclaimed “Frances Ha” (2011)—with steady television work. One of her more memorable early TV arcs was as a charming and flirtatious publicist across eight episodes of “Gossip Girl” (The CW, 2007–2012), showcasing her range beyond dramatic intensity.
Then came the turning point: in 2014, Marina Squerciati debuted as Officer Kim Burgess on “Chicago Fire” (NBC, 2012– ), a role that would soon expand into the spinoff “Chicago P.D.” Here, Marina Squerciati truly found her stride. Her character, a former flight attendant turned dedicated cop, resonated with audiences for her grit, ambition, and emotional authenticity. Marina Squerciati portrayed Burgess not just as a competent officer, but as someone constantly striving to prove herself in a male-dominated environment. A particularly powerful storyline involved her being passed over for a promotion to the Intelligence unit in favor of her partner, played by LaRoyce Hawkins—sparking justified outrage and highlighting systemic inequities, all while allowing Marina Squerciati to deliver layered, nuanced performances week after week.
Through it all, Marina Squerciati has remained a consistent and grounded presence on screen, steadily building a reputation not only as a talented actress but as a storyteller who brings depth and humanity to every role she takes on.
When it comes to Marina Squerciati’s filmography, one standout performance that really shines is in Sparks (2013), which happens to be her highest rated movie. Fans and critics alike have praised her role in this film, making it a clear favorite among her works. On the other hand, Marshall (2017) didn’t quite hit the same high notes—it ended up being the lowest rated project in Marina Squerciati’s career so far. While she brought her usual dedication to the role, the overall reception just wasn’t as strong. Still, Marina Squerciati continues to impress with her range and commitment across different genres, proving her staying power in the industry. Whether it’s a top-rated hit like Sparks or a less successful venture like Marshall, Marina Squerciati consistently gives performances worth watching.