On screen, Miranda Rae Mayo embodies the fierce, empathetic, and inspiring Lieutenant Stella Kidd on Chicago Fire. Her portrayal has made Stella a fan favorite, known for her strength in the face of danger and her unwavering loyalty to Firehouse 51. But off-screen, Mayo is just as captivating, bringing her own brand of passion and determination to the role and her life.
Bringing Stella to Life: Miranda’s Personal Connection to the Role
For Miranda Rae Mayo, playing Stella Kidd has been a journey of practical collaboration and personal growth. She describes the process of building Stella’s character as “day by day, script by script,” allowing the character to evolve organically. Mayo has found the role to be a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” particularly valuing the relationships she’s formed with her castmates.
She acknowledges the challenges of portraying a character who faces constant peril and personal struggles, including trauma and uncertainty about the future. However, Mayo’s candid approach to her craft shines through. When asked about her biggest challenges, she often points to “ego” and “low self-confidence,” emphasizing that overcoming these requires “asking for help and not giving up.” This self-awareness contributes to the authenticity she brings to Stella, allowing viewers to connect with the character’s humanity and empathy beyond the intense fire scenes.
The Realities of Being a Female Firefighter On-Screen
Playing a firefighter, especially a female one in a demanding environment, comes with its own unique set of difficulties. Mayo is known for doing as many of her own stunts as possible, which requires significant physical training. She has detailed her rigorous workout routine, which includes spin classes, outdoor runs, strength training with hex-bar deadlifts, triceps, and shoulder presses. She’s even been working on pull-ups for two years, admitting she still can’t do one on her own but feels “like a badass” afterward. This dedication reflects the physical demands of the role and the commitment she has to making Stella’s portrayal as realistic as possible.
Beyond the physical, Stella also navigates professional challenges, such as proving her worth and earning respect as a female leader in a male-dominated field. Mayo has spoken about Stella’s “Imposter Syndrome,” a common feeling for those stepping into new leadership roles, and how Stella works through her fears and emotions in real-time. These nuanced portrayals add depth to Stella’s character, highlighting the often-unseen struggles of real-life female first responders.
Stella and Miranda: Shared Spirit, Different Paths
While Miranda Rae Mayo embodies Stella Kidd with remarkable conviction, there are distinct differences between the actress and her character. Mayo describes Stella as “very, very competitive” and “a lot more guarded” than herself. In contrast, Mayo finds it “a lot easier” to be vulnerable, open up, and be emotional. Stella, on the other hand, tends to present a tough exterior, often keeping her true feelings hidden unless she’s with Kelly.
Despite these differences, both share a strong, resilient spirit and a commitment to their chosen paths. Stella’s ambition led her to become a lieutenant, while Mayo’s passion for acting, discovered in a sixth-grade production, has driven her career. Both women prioritize self-care and finding balance, with Mayo integrating meditation, yoga, and time with her extensive “blood family, chosen family, LA family, Chicago Fire family, spiritual family” into her demanding schedule. This dedication to well-being, on and off screen, speaks to the inner strength that makes both Stella Kidd and Miranda Rae Mayo so compelling.
What aspects of Miranda Rae Mayo’s portrayal of Stella Kidd resonate most with you?
