Miranda Rae Mayo has been stealing hearts and commanding respect as Stella Kidd on Chicago Fire since Season 4. While her portrayal of the determined, charismatic firefighter has made her a fan favorite in the One Chicago universe, long-time viewers may feel they’ve seen her somewhere before. Turns out, Mayo has had an impressive career spanning soap operas, thrillers, and primetime dramas. Here’s a look at her journey to Chicago Fire and the roles that might explain why her face is so familiar.
Mayo’s First Role: A Dick Wolf Production
Before making her mark as Stella Kidd, Mayo got her start in another Dick Wolf production. In 2011, she appeared in Law & Order: LA as Anna in the episode “El Sereno.” Though the spin-off had a short run, it marked Mayo’s first TV appearance. Reflecting on the experience, Mayo shared her excitement about breaking into television after a long stretch of auditions.
Interestingly, her connection to Wolf’s universe has come full circle, with Mayo now thriving in the One Chicago franchise. She even hinted in an interview that a dream crossover would see her character, Stella, team up with Olivia Benson from Law & Order: SVU.
Soap Operas and Romantic Drama
Mayo’s early career included a stint on Days of Our Lives in 2013, where she played Zoe Browning, a journalist and magazine editor. Her 15-episode arc saw Zoe embroiled in a romantic storyline with Chad DiMera (Casey Deidrick), though her character ultimately lost out to his true love, Abigail.
In 2014, she appeared in Pretty Little Liars as Talia Sandoval, a chef who briefly dated Emily Fields (Shay Mitchell). Their romance ended as abruptly as it began, but Mayo’s portrayal left a lasting impression.
Darker Roles: True Detective and Beyond
In 2015, Mayo took a turn toward darker material, appearing in the critically polarizing second season of HBO’s True Detective. She portrayed Vera Machiado, a missing waitress whose discovery unravels a key part of the season’s central conspiracy. While the season received mixed reviews, Mayo’s performance added emotional depth to the storyline.
That same year, she joined ABC’s Blood & Oil, where she played Lacey Briggs, the illegitimate daughter of Don Johnson’s character, Hap Briggs. The prime-time soap opera showcased Mayo’s range as Lacey navigated family betrayal and power struggles. Though the show was canceled after one season, Mayo’s performance stood out.
Stella Kidd: A Career-Defining Role
Mayo’s biggest break came in 2016 when she joined the cast of Chicago Fire as Stella Kidd. Initially a recurring character, Stella quickly became a central figure in the One Chicago universe. Her evolution from firefighter to confident leader, combined with her fiery romance with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), solidified her status as a fan favorite.
Stella’s complex storylines, including her challenges as a leader and moments of vulnerability, have allowed Mayo to showcase her talent. Her absence in part of Season 10 left fans clamoring for her return, a testament to how much she’s become an integral part of the show.
Why Mayo Stands Out
From romantic dramas to intense thrillers, Miranda Rae Mayo’s career is marked by versatility and emotional depth. Whether playing a love-struck journalist, a missing waitress, or a determined firefighter, she brings authenticity and passion to every role. It’s no wonder she feels like a familiar face to so many viewers.
