Taylor Kinney is one of the most recognizable faces on television, captivating millions of viewers as Lieutenant Kelly Severide on the hit drama . While his on-screen romance with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) is a cornerstone of the show, fans are always eager to know about the actor’s life off-screen. After a high-profile engagement that captivated the world, Kinney has finally found his happily-ever-after.
In a surprisingly low-key move for a star of his caliber, Taylor Kinney recently tied the knot, marking a beautiful new chapter in his personal life. This article takes a deep dive into the actor’s current marriage, who his new wife is, and offers a look back at the relationships that shaped his path to the altar.
The New Chapter: Taylor Kinney Marries Ashley Cruger
After years of speculation following his split from a music icon, Taylor Kinney officially said “I do.” The 43-year-old actor married model Ashley Cruger in a private, intimate ceremony in Chicago on April 30, 2024.
Kinney and Cruger had been dating quietly since 2022, making her the first public relationship for the Chicago Fire star since his engagement with Lady Gaga ended in 2016. Their relationship began to surface publicly in March 2022 when Kinney shared a snapshot of Cruger on his Instagram. A month later, they made their red-carpet debut at an Operation Smile charity event in Utah.
The couple shares a love for adventure and sports, frequently posting photos from skiing trips, international travel to places like Italy and Scotland, and a shared passion for golf.
Who is Ashley Cruger?
Taylor Kinney’s wife, Ashley Cruger, is a professional model and businesswoman with a diverse background.
Ashley, who has since updated her last name to Kinney on social media, has been a pillar of support for the actor, often sharing glimpses of their life together, though their relationship remains largely out of the intense Hollywood spotlight.
A Look Back: Taylor Kinney’s High-Profile Romance
Before finding lasting love with Ashley Cruger, Taylor Kinney was part of one of the most talked-about couples in the entertainment industry—his relationship with global superstar Lady Gaga.
The Lady Gaga Era (2011–2016)
The epic romance between the actor and the “Mother Monster” began on the set of Lady Gaga’s 2011 music video for her hit song, “Yoü and I”. Kinney played her love interest in the video, and the on-screen chemistry quickly translated into a real-life connection.
The Breakup
The split in 2016 was a shock to fans who saw them as an “it” couple, often appearing together at major award shows. The primary challenge cited for the breakup was the difficulty of maintaining a long-distance relationship and complicated schedules, as both were ambitious artists with demanding careers.
Lady Gaga publicly addressed the split, stating on Instagram, “Taylor and I have always believed we are soulmates. Just like all couples we have ups and downs, and we have been taking a break. We are both ambitious artists, hoping to work through long-distance and complicated schedules to continue the simple love we have always shared.”
In her 2017 documentary, Lady Gaga: Five Foot Two, the singer opened up further, tearfully connecting the end of their relationship to a career peak. “I did a movie and lose Taylor,” she said, referencing her work on and illustrating how her career milestones seemed to correlate with heartbreak. Despite the end of their romantic life, both have maintained mutual respect and support for each other over the years.
Other Notable Relationships
While the spotlight largely focused on the engagement with Lady Gaga and now his marriage to Ashley Cruger, Kinney’s relationship history includes a few other private connections.
Alanna DiGiovanni (2017–2020)
Following his high-profile split, Kinney reportedly began a serious, yet extremely private, relationship with Alanna DiGiovanni. They dated for a few years before quietly going their separate ways around early 2020. Similar to his relationship with Cruger, details were scarce, maintaining a low-key profile away from the press.
Brittany Sackett (Rumored)
Before achieving major fame on Chicago Fire and meeting Lady Gaga, Kinney was linked to a woman named Brittany Sackett around 2008, though this relationship remains largely unconfirmed by the actor himself.
A Solid Foundation in Chicago
Today, Taylor Kinney is firmly planted in his personal and professional life. His character, Lieutenant Kelly Severide, remains a fan favorite on , which is filmed in the city where Kinney has now chosen to establish his married life. The small, private ceremony in Chicago with Ashley Cruger signifies a preference for stability and privacy over the public spectacle that once defined his romances.
The actor’s journey through the high-stakes world of Hollywood relationships—from a blockbuster engagement to a quiet, intentional marriage—highlights a shift toward prioritizing a grounded, private personal life. With Ashley by his side, the veteran TV star is clearly enjoying this well-deserved new chapter as Mr. Kinney.
