While Lt. Kelly Severide is busy running into burning buildings on Chicago Fire, the man who plays him has been living a surprisingly quiet, grounded life away from the cameras — and fans are loving this rare, intimate look behind the scenes.
In a new profile published this week, Taylor Kinney opened up about his daily routine when the Chicago Fire cameras stop rolling. After 14 seasons on one of television’s most demanding procedurals, the 44-year-old actor has intentionally carved out a slower, more private existence in Chicago — far from the Hollywood spotlight.
Kinney starts most non-filming days the same way: with an early morning workout. Whether it’s boxing at a local gym, running along the Lake Michigan shoreline, or training at a private Muay Thai studio, physical fitness remains a huge part of his life. “I still train like I’m going on a call,” he joked. “Old habits die hard.”
After his workout, Kinney often heads to one of his favorite quiet spots in the city — usually a small independent coffee shop in Lincoln Park or a hidden bakery in Wicker Park — where he reads scripts, catches up on news, or simply people-watches. He’s known among locals for being polite and low-profile; most fans who spot him say he happily signs autographs but never seeks attention.
A big part of his off-set life revolves around animals. Kinney is a proud dog dad to two rescue dogs — a German Shepherd mix named Duke and a smaller terrier mix called Scout. He frequently shares photos of long walks with them along the Chicago Riverwalk or playing fetch in neighborhood parks. “They keep me grounded,” he said. “No matter how crazy filming gets, coming home to them resets everything.”
When he’s not working or with his dogs, Kinney spends a lot of time with close friends and family. He’s been spotted at small dinners in Logan Square, attending local hockey games (he’s a big Blackhawks fan), and occasionally volunteering with first-responder charities — something that clearly means a lot to him after playing a firefighter for so many years.
Music is another quiet passion. Kinney has a home studio setup and has been writing and recording songs in his spare time. While he’s not planning to release anything publicly yet, sources say he finds songwriting therapeutic — a creative outlet completely separate from the high-pressure world of network television.
He’s also been focusing more on personal wellness. After admitting in his earlier “I Need a Change” interview that the long seasons were taking a toll, Kinney has prioritized better sleep, nutrition, and mental health. He’s been seen leaving yoga studios and meditation centers, and he’s spoken about the importance of “recharging the battery” before each new block of episodes.
Despite the slower pace, Kinney still feels deeply connected to Chicago Fire. He keeps in regular contact with co-stars like Miranda Rae Mayo, Joe Minoso, and David Eigenberg, and he remains actively involved with real-life firefighter organizations. His upcoming appearance at RescueVerse on March 22, 2026, is just one example of how he continues to show up for the first-responder community that inspires the show.
For fans who have watched Kinney grow from a breakout star in 2012 to a seasoned veteran in 2026, this glimpse into his off-camera life is reassuring. He may be pulling back slightly from the spotlight onscreen, but offscreen he seems happier, healthier, and more at peace than ever.
In a city that never sleeps, Taylor Kinney has found a way to slow down — and it looks like it suits him perfectly.