Tracy Spiridakos Reveals Shocking Body-Shaming Experience at 17 Before Acting Fame

Before finding fame as Detective Hailey Upton on Chicago P.D., Tracy Spiridakos faced a painful introduction to the modeling industry at just 17.

After winning a modeling contest, the Winnipeg-born actress traveled to an agency with her brother, only to be asked to pose in a bikini. Agents then circled parts of her body in Sharpie on Polaroid photos and told her she needed to lose weight to succeed.

Spiridakos described the experience as a “gut punch,” while her protective brother immediately challenged the agency and ultimately walked out with her. He later told her, “You’re not modeling anymore.”

Years later, Spiridakos says she still notices the areas they criticized, despite knowing they were never flaws. “You’re at such a young age and so impressionable,” she reflected.

She went on to build an acting career, appearing in Supernatural, The L Word, Psych and Revolution before joining Chicago P.D., where she became a series regular and played Upton through Season 11.