When Miranda Rae Mayo joined Chicago Fire in Season 4 as Stella Kidd, she was simply supposed to be a tough, talented firefighter with a no-nonsense attitude. But in the years since, she has transformed into the emotional and narrative backbone of the show. In Season 13, she’s no longer “just” part of the team—she is the team.
Stella’s growth into a lieutenant wasn’t just a win for her character, but for women in the One Chicago universe as a whole. Her rise in leadership, her resilience in the face of personal tragedy, and her unwavering loyalty to Firehouse 51 have made her one of the most dynamic characters on network TV.
Off-screen, Mayo has also become a fan favorite. Her openness in interviews, her chemistry with co-stars, and her steady presence have given the show a powerful female lead who’s both fierce and deeply human. Season 13’s pregnancy storyline has added a whole new layer to Stella—highlighting both her vulnerability and her strength.
As Chicago Fire moves into its next chapter, Miranda Rae Mayo isn’t just holding her own—she’s leading the charge.
