Tracy Spiridakos, the talented actress known for her role as Detective Hailey Upton on Chicago P.D., recently opened up about her transition to her new TV show, Anna Pigeon. In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Spiridakos revealed the challenges she faced in unlearning her established habits and embracing a completely different character. As Hailey, she had become accustomed to certain actions and decisions, but now, as Anna, she had to adapt to a new world of park ranger duties.
The actress explained that the training for park rangers and police officers shares a basic foundation, but diverges significantly thereafter. "I actually had to unlearn and unknow the things that I knew," Spiridakos said. "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. Those subtleties were information I had to unlearn."
This transition is not just a change of scenery; it's a complete 180-degree turn. Spiridakos' character, Anna, is a national parks ranger, a role vastly different from her previous one as a detective. The show, based on Nevada Barr's book series, is set in the breathtaking yet perilous Glacier National Park in Montana, with production taking place in Alberta, Canada.
The series, which is 10 parts long, introduces viewers to Anna, a theater stage manager turned park ranger in her late 30s. She moves from New York City after the tragic murder of her husband in a home invasion. Each episode focuses on a new crime within the park, gradually unraveling Anna's backstory and the mystery surrounding her husband's death. This is achieved through phone conversations with her therapist sister, Tricia Helfer, flashbacks via nightmares, and the assistance of FBI agent and potential love interest, Agent Stanton, played by Ronnie Rowe Jr.
Spiridakos expressed her gratitude for being part of the project, especially since it was her 'number one choice' for the role. She fell in love with the character of Anna, describing her as funny, edgy, and impulsive. "I hadn't read the books, but I read the pilot and completely fell in love with the character," she said. "There's so much to her that I couldn't wait to get in there and start."
The actress' journey with Chicago P.D. came to an end in 2024 with the conclusion of season 11. Her character, Hailey Upton, had a memorable arc, including a marriage to Detective Jay Halstead, played by Jesse Lee Soffer. However, Soffer's departure from the show in season 10 left fans devastated, as their characters' marriage crumbled due to Jay's absence. The crossover episode in 2026, where Hailey and Jay reunite in Chicago, leaves their status open-ended, leaving fans wondering about their future.
In real life, Spiridakos and Soffer found love on and off-screen. They have been sharing glimpses of their home life and European vacations on social media, though they have never officially confirmed their romance. The couple adopted a pet dog, Cali, in 2026, after the passing of their first dog, Nala. This adoption occurred while both were in Chicago shooting the One Chicago crossover episodes, which aired in March.
Tracy Spiridakos' journey from Hailey Upton to Anna Pigeon is a testament to her versatility as an actress, showcasing her ability to seamlessly transition into new roles and characters, leaving fans eager to see her future endeavors.
