Marina Squerciati Shares New Pics She “Wasn’t Allowed to Show” of Elias Koteas
*Chicago P.D.* fans are still buzzing from the surprise cameo of Elias Koteas in the Season 11 finale, titled “More.” In a poignant moment, Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) hallucinates a conversation with his late friend and former partner, Alvin Olinsky, played by Koteas. This unexpected return not only thrilled viewers but also kept the cast on their toes as they worked to maintain the secrecy of Koteas’s appearance leading up to the episode’s air date.
Following the successful unveiling of Koteas’s return, Marina Squerciati, who portrays Officer Kim Burgess, took to her Instagram Stories to share some cherished photos from Jesse Lee Soffer’s birthday celebration. The party, held at Lyra, a Greek restaurant in Chicago, featured the whole cast, including Koteas. However, the cast had to be discreet about their social media posts to avoid spoiling the surprise for fans. With Soffer’s birthday occurring at the end of April, Squerciati had to wait almost a month before she could share these special snapshots.
Although Jesse Lee Soffer’s character, Detective Jay Halstead, is no longer on the show, he has remained connected with his *Chicago P.D.* family, even directing an episode in Season 11. The bond between the cast is clearly strong, and Soffer’s birthday gathering served as a reminder of their camaraderie.
Tracy Spiridakos, who recently wrapped up her time as Detective Hailey Upton, also expressed her joy at reuniting with Koteas. She shared her heartfelt experience on Instagram, saying, “I’m so glad Luce had a camera to capture our reunion. Love you so much!” accompanied by pictures of the two embracing. These moments highlight the deep connections that have formed among the cast over the years.
Jason Beghe, who has long advocated for Koteas’s return, spoke about the emotional weight of having him back on set. In an interview with NBC Insider, he revealed how profoundly the moment affected him. “I have a very special connection with him as a human being and certainly as an actor,” Beghe stated. He recounted how, during their first take together, he was overcome with emotion, admitting, “I burst into tears, you know? ‘Cause it was just, it’s just a lot.”
Beghe elaborated on the significance of Voight’s interaction with Olinsky, explaining that the experience allowed him to reconnect not just with the character but with Koteas as an artist. “You become your character on the set. But also, just Jason having the opportunity to reconnect with the artist Elias… it surprised me,” he said. His heartfelt reflections serve as a testament to the impact Koteas had on both the show and its cast.
As fans eagerly await what’s next for *Chicago P.D.*, the touching reunions and the emotional depth brought forth by Koteas’s return remind everyone of the show’s strong bonds and the enduring legacy of its characters. With such powerful performances and heartfelt moments, the series continues to resonate with its audience, reinforcing the idea that while characters may leave the screen, their presence and the memories they create remain forever cherished.