For years, Taylor Kinney has been synonymous with Lieutenant Kelly Severide, the fearless, often brooding heartthrob of NBC’s hit drama, Chicago Fire. While his on-screen romance with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) has kept fans captivated, Kinney’s personal life has always remained fiercely private—especially following his high-profile engagement to pop superstar Lady Gaga.
That’s why the news of his marriage to model Ashley Cruger came as a beautiful, but perfectly quiet, surprise. The couple, who had been dating for over two years, officially tied the knot in a small, private ceremony, marking a significant new chapter for the beloved actor. But for many fans, the question remains: Who is Ashley Cruger, the stunning woman who managed to win the heart of Firehouse 51’s leading man?
👰 Meet Ashley Cruger: The Woman Behind the Model
Ashley Cruger is a striking figure who quickly caught the attention of fans when she first appeared on Taylor Kinney’s social media. But Cruger is more than just a captivating face; her background reveals a woman with a diverse professional history and a genuine appreciation for the quieter side of life.
🌟 Career and Background
Cruger’s career path is both intriguing and varied. While she is best known publicly now as a successful model, her professional experience extends into the corporate world. Reports indicate that before stepping fully into the spotlight, Cruger worked in the demanding fields of Information Technology (IT) and Sales and Marketing for major companies like General Motors and El Bandido Yankee Tequila Company.
This multi-faceted background suggests a woman who is not only comfortable in front of a camera but also possesses a sharp, grounded business acumen—a likely complement to Kinney’s own grounded and professional demeanor.
📍 The Chicago Connection
Like Kinney, who has spent over a decade filming Chicago Fire in the titular city, Cruger is also based in the Midwest. She reportedly attended college in Iowa, establishing her roots in the region. This shared geographical base—away from the constant media glare of Los Angeles or New York—is likely a cornerstone of their low-key relationship. Their marriage ceremony itself was held in Chicago, underscoring the city’s importance to their life together.
🥂 A Private Love Story: Kinney and Cruger’s Relationship Timeline
Taylor Kinney and Ashley Cruger’s relationship has been defined by its quiet strength and mutual appreciation for privacy. In an era where celebrity romances often unfold in elaborate public displays, the couple chose a far more subtle approach.
📸 Going Social Media Official
The couple’s relationship first became public in March 2022, when Taylor Kinney broke his usual silence on social media to share a photo of Cruger on his Instagram. This subtle, unannounced post was a significant declaration for the fiercely private actor. Cruger quickly reciprocated, sharing snaps of the two of them attending events, including charity weekends and motorsports races.
Their public appearances have been carefully curated, usually revolving around shared interests:
- Charity Events: They have attended several fundraisers, notably Operation Smile’s annual events, demonstrating a shared commitment to philanthropy.
- Motorsports: Both Kinney and Cruger share a passion for motorbikes and racing, often photographed together at tracks in Texas and other locations.
- Golf: They have also been pictured enjoying golf together, highlighting their mutual love for outdoor and recreational activities.
📺 A Secret Cameo on Chicago Fire
In a delightful nod to their relationship and Kinney’s career, Ashley Cruger made a brief, fun cameo appearance in the Season 11 premiere of Chicago Fire in September 2022. She appeared as an extra in a bar scene, even posting about the experience on social media with a sweet message for Kinney. This small detail thrilled fans and provided a rare, lighthearted glimpse into their supportive dynamic.
🔔 The Announcement: A Small, Private Wedding
The public learned of the wedding in May 2024, with Kinney’s representative confirming the couple had married on April 30, 2024, in a small, private ceremony in Chicago.
The details that emerged reflected their commitment to privacy and intimacy:
- Intimate Venue: Choosing a “small, private ceremony” over a massive, celebrity-studded event speaks volumes about their priorities. It suggests they prioritized the solemnity of their commitment over media spectacle.
- Chicago Setting: Holding the wedding in Chicago was a natural choice, cementing their lives in the city that has been Kinney’s professional home for over a decade.
- Cruger’s Confirmation: The bride herself confirmed the news on her Instagram Stories, sharing a heartwarming photo captioned “Mr. + Mrs. Kinney.” In a separate post, she shared a picture of Taylor giving her a piggyback ride on a large rock, captioned with a simple, sweet red heart. She also reportedly changed her last name to Kinney on social media, making the change official for fans.
This wedding contrasts sharply with the high-octane relationship Kinney previously shared with Lady Gaga, which was constantly scrutinized by the press. With Cruger, Kinney appears to have found a deeper sense of peace and normalcy, away from the constant spotlight.
🎬 What’s Next for the Kinneys?
Taylor Kinney’s marriage to Ashley Cruger came shortly after his return to Chicago Fire following a brief hiatus for a personal matter. His character, Kelly Severide, remains a cornerstone of Firehouse 51, and his return brought immense relief to the show’s loyal fanbase.
With the public announcement now made, the couple can focus on their life together. Cruger continues her modeling work and her other professional endeavors, while Kinney anchors one of the most successful dramas on television. Their marriage symbolizes a beautiful and grounded partnership—a union built on shared interests, mutual support, and a collective commitment to keeping their precious love story exactly what they want it to be: private and genuinely happy.
Ashley Cruger has seamlessly transitioned from a successful professional and model to the wife of a major television star, not by seeking the spotlight, but by simply being Taylor Kinney’s quiet, stunning, and steadfast partner.
