Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos, both stars of NBC’s hit drama Chicago P.D., have long been the subject of dating rumors. While their on-screen characters, Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton, shared a whirlwind romance that culminated in marriage, fans are speculating that their off-screen connection may be just as special. Although neither Soffer nor Spiridakos has confirmed their relationship, their frequent appearances together and social media interactions have sparked curiosity. Here’s an in-depth look at their rumored romance and enduring friendship.
A Dynamic On-Screen Pairing
Jesse Lee Soffer, 39, joined the cast of Chicago P.D. as Jay Halstead in its inaugural season in 2014. Tracy Spiridakos, 36, made her debut as Hailey Upton during the second half of season 4 in 2017. Over the years, their characters developed a deep connection, leading to a romantic storyline that delighted fans. Their characters’ relationship hit key milestones, including a memorable kiss in season 8, Hailey’s proposal, and a wedding in the season 9 finale.
However, their on-screen love story came to an end when Soffer left the show at the beginning of season 10 in 2022, with Halstead departing to rejoin the military. Spiridakos followed suit, exiting the series at the conclusion of season 11 in 2024. While their fictional romance concluded, speculation about a real-life relationship persisted.
Social Media Clues and Shared Adventures
The pair has frequently shared moments from their lives on social media, further fueling speculation about their bond. Spiridakos has celebrated Soffer’s birthday with heartfelt posts, such as in 2024 when she shared a selfie captioned, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY @jesseleesoffer 🥳🥳🥳!” Soffer reciprocated the gesture in 2023, writing, “A huge happy birthday to this lady! Isn’t she the best?!”
In August 2024, the duo took a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, and shared strikingly similar photos on Instagram, documenting their European getaway. Spiridakos captioned her post, “Lisbon, you’re a beauty ❤️,” while Soffer wrote, “Europe is kinda cool 😘😘.” Fans were quick to speculate about the nature of their trip, noting the selfies and shared experiences.
A Mutual Support System
Beyond social media, Soffer and Spiridakos have consistently supported each other’s careers. When Soffer announced his departure from Chicago P.D. in 2022, Spiridakos penned a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “Jesse, what can I say, you’re the absolute best. Thank you for your kindness, your guidance, and your friendship. You’re the greatest onscreen husband a girl could ask for. I’ll miss being on set with you every day.”
Soffer later returned to the show as a director, making his debut in season 11 in 2023. Spiridakos celebrated his directorial accomplishment by sharing behind-the-scenes photos and encouraging fans to watch his episode. Similarly, Soffer praised Spiridakos’s final performance on the series, writing, “I got to watch Tracy’s last episode of Chicago P.D. and she’s FANTASTIC in it! 🙂 You should all go check it out!”
Working Together on and Off Screen
Over the five years they worked together, Soffer and Spiridakos developed a close professional partnership. They often shared behind-the-scenes moments from Chicago P.D., giving fans a glimpse into their camaraderie. Their chemistry extended beyond the set, as they teamed up for promotional events and causes. For instance, they attended the NBCUniversal Upfront events together and participated in the One Day Chicago event to engage with fans.
In 2023, the pair joined other actors during the SAG-AFTRA strike, demonstrating their solidarity with fellow performers. Spiridakos captioned her post “Union strong,” while Soffer called their team to action with “Team, assemble!!”
Personal Lives and Rumored Romance
While neither actor has publicly addressed the nature of their relationship, their interactions suggest a deep bond. Both have previously been linked to other partners, but their recent appearances together, including their European vacation, have reignited rumors of a romantic connection. Fans have speculated that their shared history and continued closeness point to something more than friendship.
Careers Beyond Chicago P.D.
Jesse Lee Soffer, with an estimated net worth of $5 million, has been a staple in television for nearly two decades. Beyond his work on Chicago P.D., he’s appeared in As the World Turns and The Brady Bunch Movie. His directorial debut in 2023 marked a new chapter in his career, showcasing his talents behind the camera.