For over a decade, Taylor Kinney was the undeniable heart of Chicago Fire. As the charismatic and daring Lieutenant Kelly Severide, he led Rescue Squad 3 and was a fan-favorite from the show’s very first episode. His character’s journey from a hot-headed bachelor to a dedicated husband and leader of Firehouse 51 provided a powerful emotional anchor for the entire series. So, when news broke in January 2023 that Kinney would be taking an indefinite leave of absence, the fanbase was left in a state of shock and confusion.
The sudden nature of his departure, which happened mid-production on Season 11, created a cloud of speculation and concern. For months, the reason behind his absence remained a closely guarded secret, leading to a whirlwind of rumors. Was it a contract dispute? A health issue? A new movie role? The truth, as revealed by sources close to the production, was far more personal and poignant, with the official reason being a “personal matter.” This shocking backstory behind his exit sheds light on the immense pressure of a long-running series and the unpredictable nature of an actor’s life.
The Abrupt Departure
In January 2023, as the cast and crew of Chicago Fire were filming Season 11, the production was thrown into chaos by an unexpected announcement. Taylor Kinney, one of the two remaining original cast members, was taking an immediate leave of absence. There was no public statement from Kinney himself, and the show’s producers were left scrambling to rewrite scripts to explain the sudden absence of their leading man.
On-screen, the writers created a storyline that sent Severide away to an arson investigation training program in Alabama. This plot device, however, felt abrupt and out of character, especially given that he had just married the love of his life, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). The lack of communication from his character to his wife during his time away further heightened the drama and fueled the real-world speculation. The on-screen turmoil mirrored the real-life uncertainty surrounding Kinney’s future with the show.
The Real Reason Behind the Leave
While the exact details remain private, sources confirmed that Kinney’s leave was to “deal with a personal matter.” This general statement left many questions unanswered, but it also pointed to a reason that was not about a contract dispute or a desire to leave the show permanently. The abruptness of his departure suggested a serious issue that required his immediate attention.
Rumors swirled on fan forums and social media, speculating everything from a family emergency to a health crisis. The truth, however, seems to be a combination of factors related to his personal life that simply became more important than his professional obligations at that time. Kinney, who is notoriously private, had been in a relationship with model Ashley Cruger, and the two were reportedly preparing for a new chapter in their lives. In April 2024, Kinney and Cruger married in a small, private ceremony in Chicago, indicating a major shift in his personal priorities. While this marriage may not have been the sole reason for his leave, it likely reflects a desire to focus on his life outside of work after dedicating over a decade to the demanding schedule of a television series.
The long-running nature of a show like Chicago Fire requires an immense commitment from its stars. The filming schedule is grueling, often stretching for months at a time. After more than 10 seasons, it’s understandable that an actor might need to step away to attend to personal matters, especially those related to family and relationships. Kinney’s decision, while sudden for the show, was ultimately a choice to prioritize his life and well-being, a choice that many fans, once they understood the context, respected.
The Aftermath and Triumphant Return
Kinney’s absence had a profound effect on Chicago Fire‘s Season 11 storyline. The absence of Severide forced the writers to focus on other characters, particularly his wife Stella Kidd, who had to navigate her new marriage and career without him. This created new opportunities for other characters to step up, most notably Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), who took on more responsibilities as the interim Lieutenant of Squad 3.
The question of Kinney’s return loomed over the entire season. The speculation reached a fever pitch, with some fans fearing that he would never come back. However, in an exciting turn of events, NBC officially announced in late 2023 that Kinney would be returning for Season 12. His return was a huge relief for fans and the production team alike.
On-screen, Severide returned to Firehouse 51 in the Season 12 premiere, rejoining his wife and team. The show addressed his absence head-on, with his character having a sit-down with his wife to discuss his motivations and his plans for the future. The storyline allowed him to return to his arson investigation work, but with a new understanding of the importance of balancing his career with his personal life.
The Legacy of a Ten-Year Run
The abrupt nature of Kinney’s leave, followed by his triumphant return, is a compelling story in its own right. It highlights the often-unseen side of being a long-running television star. After a decade of portraying the same character, actors often face a crossroads where they must decide between their professional commitments and their personal lives. For Taylor Kinney, the decision was clear: his personal life came first.
The situation also provided a powerful narrative for the show itself. Severide’s journey mirrored Kinney’s own, as both were forced to take a step back and reassess their priorities. The experience added a new layer of depth to his character and strengthened his on-screen relationship with Stella, as they navigated a new chapter of trust and communication.
In the end, while the reason for Taylor Kinney’s departure from Chicago Fire was a shocking and deeply personal matter, his return proved to fans that his heart remains with the show and his character. His absence was a reminder that even television heroes have personal battles to fight, but like Severide himself, he came back stronger than ever, ready to continue his legacy as one of the most beloved characters on television.
