Tracy Spiridakos returns to Instagram after Chicago PD exit

Tracy Spiridakos is gearing up for a major change. The actress has been a part of Chicago PD since 2017, but Variety announced that she will be leaving the show in the upcoming eleventh season. The announcement was made while the actors strike was still going on, so Spiridakos was unable to comment on the decision, or confirm it in an official capacity.

The actress has continued to be silent on the matter now that the actors strike is over, but she has returned to social media after an absence of several months. She posted a montage of photos on her Instagram on November 9, along with the caption: “Lately…” The montage includes a selfie, a photo of her dog, and several photos of a puzzle she was working on during the strike.

Spiridakos posted another collection of photos the following week. These ones depicted a beach trip she took along with various friends. “The best weekend…. the best people”, her caption read. What’s interesting is that in both instances, the comment sections are not filled with questions about her character’s exit from Chicago PD, the way that they were for, say, Taylor Kinney when his future with Chicago Fire was up in the air.

Spiridakos talked about her experience playing Hailey Upton for eight years, and what initially drew her to the character, during a 2022 interview with Michigan Avenue:

"“[Hailey Upton] is a really well-rounded character. She’s a strong woman yet also vulnerable; she’s not just one thing. She’s not just tough and badass without anything else. We get to see all these interesting dynamics that make her a well-rounded character. When I read the script, I never really know what’s going to happen with her and what direction she’s going to go. That’s been very fun for me to play.”"

The actress also went out of her way to thank the fans, and credit them with keeping the One Chicago franchise going strong after all these years. “The fans in Chicago support the One Chicago shows how they support their sports teams”, she added. “It’s like you’re a part of Chicago—a part of the family. I think that’s a really big part of the One Chicago success—the incredible fans… who support us all the time.”

While it will undoubtedly be sad to watch Upton (and by extension, Spiridakos) leave, there is a comfort in knowing that she is on good terms with the cast and crew. Our hope is that Upton gets the happy ending she deserves, and Spiridakos continues to charm fans on Instagram!

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