The Man Behind Severide: Exploring Taylor Kinney’s Personal Life
Taylor Kinney has become a familiar face to millions as the brooding yet heroic Lieutenant Kelly Severide on NBC’s hit series Chicago Fire. While fans are invested in Severide’s on-screen relationships, many are also curious about the actor’s life off-screen, particularly his romantic history and his current wife. Kinney, despite his high-profile job, has generally kept his personal life private. However, details of his past relationships and his recent marriage have emerged, offering a glimpse into the actor’s journey in love.
Introducing the Present: Taylor Kinney’s Wife, Ashley Cruger
As of April 30, 2024, Taylor Kinney is happily married to Ashley Cruger, a model. The couple tied the knot in a “small, private ceremony in Chicago,” as confirmed by Kinney’s representative. Kinney and Cruger’s relationship became public in March 2022 when the Chicago Fire star shared a photo of Cruger on his Instagram. They made their first public appearance as a couple in April 2022 at a charity event.
Ashley Cruger is a model signed with BMG Models. According to her LinkedIn profile, she graduated from The University of Iowa in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has experience in sales and marketing. While the couple has maintained a relatively private relationship, they have occasionally shared sweet moments on social media, offering fans a peek into their life together.
A Look Back: Taylor Kinney’s Notable Relationship History
Before finding lasting love with Ashley Cruger, Taylor Kinney was involved in a very public and high-profile relationship with international pop superstar Lady Gaga.
The Gaga Years: A Whirlwind Romance
Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga’s relationship began in July 2011 after they met on the set of her music video for “You and I,” in which Kinney played her love interest. Their connection was evident, and they began dating shortly after. Their relationship quickly captured public attention, with the unconventional pop star and the down-to-earth actor forming an intriguing pair.
Their romance blossomed over the next few years, marked by red carpet appearances and mutual support for each other’s careers. Kinney often spoke of his admiration for Gaga’s talent and work ethic, while Gaga frequently expressed her deep affection and love for Kinney. Their bond seemed strong, built on mutual respect and a shared understanding of the demands of their respective high-profile careers.
The Engagement and the Breakup
In February 2015, after nearly four years of dating, Taylor Kinney proposed to Lady Gaga. The engagement became a major news story, with fans celebrating the impending union of the two artists. Lady Gaga often spoke about her heart-shaped diamond engagement ring and her excitement about marrying Kinney.
However, in July 2016, the couple announced that they had called off their engagement. While the exact reasons for their split were not publicly disclosed, both Gaga and Kinney spoke of the challenges of their demanding careers and long-distance relationship. Lady Gaga, in a statement, referred to Kinney as her “soulmate” and expressed hope for their continued friendship and support for each other’s work. Their breakup, though sad for fans who had rooted for them, appeared to be amicable, with both moving forward in their respective lives and careers.
Other Relationships: Keeping a Private Life
Prior to his relationship with Lady Gaga, Taylor Kinney largely kept his romantic life out of the public eye. There is limited information available about any other significant relationships he may have had before his high-profile romance with the pop star. This aligns with Kinney’s general tendency to maintain a degree of privacy regarding his personal life.
On-Screen Romance vs. Off-Screen Reality: Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo
For Chicago Fire fans, the on-screen chemistry between Taylor Kinney’s character, Kelly Severide, and Miranda Rae Mayo’s character, Stella Kidd, has been a central part of the show’s appeal. Their journey from colleagues to friends, then lovers, and finally spouses has mirrored the emotional investment viewers have in their relationship. However, despite their undeniable on-screen connection, Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo have consistently maintained that their relationship is strictly professional and that they share a close friendship off-screen. Kinney’s marriage to Ashley Cruger further clarifies that the on-screen romance remains within the fictional world of Chicago Fire.
Final Thoughts: Kinney’s Journey in Love
Taylor Kinney’s romantic journey has included a highly publicized engagement to Lady Gaga and ultimately led him to marriage with model Ashley Cruger. While he generally prefers to keep his personal life private, the glimpses that have been shared reveal a journey of love, commitment, and finding a partner with whom he has chosen to build a life. As fans continue to follow his portrayal of the complex and compelling Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, they can also appreciate the actor’s personal happiness and his commitment to his marriage with Ashley Cruger.
