Tracy Spiridakos, the talented actress known for her role as Detective Hailey Upton in Chicago P.D., has recently opened up about her transition to her new role as Anna Pigeon in a TV show. In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Spiridakos revealed the challenges she faced in unlearning her established habits and embracing a completely different character. This shift in her career highlights the complexities of an actor's journey and the importance of adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Unlearning the Habits
Spiridakos, who has been a part of Chicago P.D. for seven years, had to make a significant change in her approach when she landed the role of Anna Pigeon. Hailey, her previous character, was a police officer with a well-established set of habits and behaviors. However, Anna, a national parks ranger, required a different mindset and skill set. Spiridakos shared, 'I actually had to unlearn and unknow the things that I knew, because I would go to kick in a door and I'm like, 'Wait, Anna doesn't do this,' whereas Hailey was doing it every day.' This process of unlearning was crucial for her to embody the new character authentically.
A Different Training Approach
The actress also discussed the distinct training approaches for police officers and park rangers. She explained, 'The training that they go through for Park Rangers and a police officer is similar, basic training, but then the training is really different after that.' This highlights the specialized skills and knowledge required for each profession, which further emphasizes the challenge of transitioning between roles.
A New Role and a New World
Anna Pigeon, the character Spiridakos portrays, is a theater stage manager turned park ranger in her late 30s. She moves from New York City to Glacier National Park in Montana after the murder of her husband in a home invasion. The show, based on Nevada Barr's book series, explores the thrilling and dangerous world of the park. Spiridakos expressed her gratitude for being part of the project, stating, 'I was really grateful to be a part of the project, and executive producer Lea Thompson shared was her 'number one choice' for the role.'
A Complex Character and a Challenging Transition
The character of Anna Pigeon is complex, with a backstory that unfolds slowly through the series. Spiridakos' portrayal involves unraveling Anna's past, including the mystery surrounding her husband's death. The actress mentioned, 'As each episode focuses on a new crime taking place inside the park, Anna's backstory, and the mystery around her husband's death, is slowly unveiled across season one.' This intricate character development adds another layer of challenge to the transition from Hailey to Anna.
A Fresh Start and a New Adventure
Leaving Chicago P.D. after season 11, Spiridakos embraced a fresh start with Anna Pigeon. She shared her initial attraction to the character, saying, 'I hadn't read the books, but I read the pilot and completely fell in love with the character. She's funny, she's edgy, she's impulsive, and there's so much to her that I couldn't wait to get in there and start.' This enthusiasm for the new role reflects her eagerness to explore a different side of her acting career.
Personal Life and Professional Growth
In addition to her professional transition, Spiridakos' personal life has also been a topic of interest. Her relationship with Jesse Lee Soffer, who played her character's husband on Chicago P.D., has been a subject of media attention. The pair have been spotted on rare occasions, showcasing a low-key romance. They adopted a pet dog, Cali, in 2026, marking a significant moment in their lives. Spiridakos' ability to balance her personal and professional lives is a testament to her dedication and adaptability.
In conclusion, Tracy Spiridakos' journey from Hailey Upton to Anna Pigeon showcases the challenges and rewards of an actor's career. Her willingness to unlearn and adapt highlights the transformative power of embracing new roles. As she continues to explore different characters, Spiridakos' talent and versatility will undoubtedly captivate audiences and inspire fellow actors.
