It’s the kind of news Chicago Fire fans dreaded hearing — and one that Miranda Rae Mayo admits she never truly prepared for. After nearly ten years of portraying the fearless and deeply compassionate Stella Kidd, the actress has confirmed that she is officially leaving Firehouse 51.
“Playing Stella Changed My Life”
In an emotional interview, Mayo reflected on her time in the One Chicago universe and the impact the character had on her both personally and professionally.
“I honestly wasn’t ready,” she confessed. “Playing Stella changed my life. Leaving… it’s something I’ve been struggling to accept.”
Since joining Chicago Fire in Season 4, Stella Kidd evolved from a bold, quick-witted firefighter into one of the series’ most powerful emotional anchors. Her fiery partnership with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) became one of television’s most grounded and beloved relationships, built on loyalty, mutual respect, and quiet strength.
When whispers began that Season 14 could be Stella’s final chapter, fans feared the worst. Now, Mayo has finally confirmed what many suspected — her journey with the 51 family is ending.
“It Hit Me — Like a Wave I Wasn’t Ready For”
Filming her final scenes proved to be one of the hardest experiences of her career.
“We were shooting this really emotional sequence, and suddenly I realized… this might be the last time I walk through that firehouse as Stella Kidd. And it hit me — like a wave I wasn’t ready for,” she shared.
The actress admitted she questioned her decision at times. “There were nights I went home and thought, ‘Am I making a huge mistake?’ But then I’d remind myself that every ending is also a beginning.”
A Family Farewell Behind the Scenes
According to insiders, Mayo’s final day on set was filled with tears, laughter, and gratitude. Taylor Kinney — who recently returned to the show after his own hiatus — gave a heartfelt farewell speech, thanking Mayo for “bringing soul and fire” to the series.
“These people are my family,” Mayo said. “You don’t lose a family when you leave — you just love them from a little farther away.”
She also credited co-stars David Eigenberg, Christian Stolte, and Kara Killmer as lifelong mentors and friends. Her fondest memories, she said, come from “the laughter, the chaos, and the nights we’d be covered in soot but still joking around.”
Stella’s Final Chapter
Though NBC and Wolf Entertainment have not yet made an official statement, Chicago Fire producers have promised that Stella will receive “a powerful and emotional conclusion” worthy of her legacy.
“We want to give her the send-off she deserves,” a producer shared. “Miranda has poured her heart into this role. This isn’t just a goodbye — it’s a thank you.”
Mayo hinted that fans shouldn’t count Stella out completely: “I’ll never say never. Stella’s journey will always live in me. Who knows what the future holds?”
A Step Toward Peace
Off-screen, the actress has become a passionate advocate for mental wellness and balance in the entertainment industry.
“There’s a real danger in never slowing down,” she said. “Sometimes stepping away isn’t quitting — it’s protecting your peace.”
While she’s not walking away from acting entirely, Mayo plans to take time to rest, reflect, and embrace new opportunities. “Let’s just say… the fire never really goes out.”
A Legacy That Burns Bright
Since 2016, Stella Kidd has inspired fans as a fierce firefighter, loyal partner, and role model for resilience. As the news of Mayo’s departure spreads, social media has filled with tributes:
“Stella Kidd inspired me to be braver,” one fan wrote. “She wasn’t just a firefighter — she was a leader, a friend, a fighter.”
For nearly a decade, Miranda Rae Mayo brought heart, humor, and humanity to Chicago Fire. Though her exit marks the end of an era, her presence — both on and off-screen — will continue to shine brightly in the show’s legacy.
“I grew up on that set,” she said softly. “I found myself through that role. And while it hurts to leave, I know that sometimes love means letting go.”
