For over a decade, the firefighters, paramedics, and rescue squad members of Firehouse 51 have kept audiences captivated with their high-stakes rescues, personal dramas, and heartwarming friendships on Chicago Fire. While the fictional romances—like the roller coaster ride of Casey and Brett (Brettsey) or the enduring love of Severide and Stella (Stellaride)—command attention on screen, the lives of the actors off-camera are just as rich and compelling.
Away from the blazing sets and intense calls, the stars of Chicago Fire have found enduring love, built families, and maintained relationships that often fly completely under the radar. From long-term marriages to a couple who had a genuinely spooky-sweet first meeting, here is an in-depth look at the real-life partners of the Chicago Fire cast.
The Power Couples: Marriage and Long-Term Commitment
Some of the biggest names in Firehouse 51 are happily settled in long-term relationships, proving that life outside the drama can indeed be quite stable.
Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide) and Ashley Cruger
As Lieutenant Kelly Severide, Taylor Kinney is the brooding, committed half of the show’s biggest couple, Stellaride. In real life, however, Kinney keeps his romantic life relatively private, but his long-term partnership with model Ashley Cruger has become increasingly public.
The two have been spotted together at numerous events and often share glimpses of their life outside of Chicago. Cruger, a talented model, offers a grounding presence for the actor, and their relationship appears to be a supportive and low-key affair, far removed from the intense emotional drama of Severide’s fictional love life.
David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann) and Chrysti Eigenberg
One of the most heartwarming off-screen romances belongs to David Eigenberg, who plays the gruff but lovable veteran, Christopher Herrmann. Eigenberg is happily married to Chrysti Eigenberg. The couple has built a beautiful family together, sharing two children.
Chrysti is a publicist and former nurse, a profession that gives her an appreciation for the medical dramas her husband’s character often faces. Their relationship is a testament to stable, lasting love in Hollywood, with David frequently speaking about the joy and foundation his family provides.
Eamonn Walker (Wallace Boden) and Sandra Walker
Chief Wallace Boden, played by the commanding Eamonn Walker, provides the solid, moral center of Firehouse 51. In real life, Walker’s commitment is equally strong. He has been married to Sandra Walker for years. Eamonn and Sandra are known for maintaining a fiercely private relationship, shying away from the spotlight to focus on their life together and raising their children. Their privacy is a clear indicator that their focus is on their personal life, away from the Hollywood buzz.
The Viral Love Story: A Halloween Party Meet-Cute
Not all Hollywood relationships start on a set or a red carpet. One Chicago Fire cast member has a surprisingly adorable, costumed love story that is the stuff of fanfiction dreams.
Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett) and Andrew Chen 🎃
Actress Kara Killmer, who famously plays Paramedic in Charge Sylvie Brett (and is known for her half of the “Brettsey” romance), found her real-life love with fellow actor Andrew Chen in one of the most unexpected places: a Halloween party.
The story goes that the two met while in costume, sparking a romance that eventually led to marriage. While the specific details of their costumes remain a fun mystery, the meet-cute is a refreshing change from the typical celebrity coupling. Killmer and Chen’s relationship is characterized by mutual support for their careers and a clear delight in their shared life, providing a real-life happy ending that rivals Brett’s own fictional journey.
The Next Generation: New Relationships and Developing Stories
As the cast evolves, so do their off-screen lives. The newer or younger cast members are navigating the celebrity world with their partners, keeping their relationships steady amidst the fame.
Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd) and Her Partner
Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays the fiercely ambitious Lieutenant Stella Kidd, is a beloved figure on the show. While she is extremely private about her romantic life, she is currently in a relationship that she chooses to keep largely out of the public eye.
Mayo prioritizes maintaining a strong boundary between her high-profile acting career and her personal life. She uses her social media platform primarily to discuss her creative endeavors, social causes, and mental health advocacy, leaving her romantic partner a welcome layer of privacy.
Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and His Partner
Daniel Kyri, who portrays the earnest and dedicated firefighter Darren Ritter, is known for celebrating LGBTQ+ representation both on and off-screen. Kyri is openly gay and has shared snippets of his life with his partner, often through posts that celebrate their joint appreciation for art, fashion, and culture. Their relationship is one of mutual creative inspiration, adding a layer of depth and authenticity to Kyri’s public persona as a rising star.
Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz) and Caitlin Murphy
Joe Minoso, who plays the reliable squad member Joe Cruz, is another example of an actor who is happily married. Minoso is married to Caitlin Murphy, and they share a loving, stable partnership. Minoso often expresses gratitude for his wife’s support, particularly given the demanding nature of the One Chicago filming schedule. Their relationship is a quiet, steady foundation that mirrors the loyalty and strength of his character, Joe Cruz.
The Importance of the Off-Screen Anchor
For the stars of a show as physically and emotionally demanding as Chicago Fire, the stability of their real-life relationships is arguably what allows them to convincingly portray the daily chaos of Firehouse 51.
The ability of these actors to leave the intensity of the set—the fictional near-death experiences, the relationship crises, and the emotional breakdowns—and return to loving, supportive partners is critical. These husbands, wives, and significant others are the anchors that keep the cast grounded, centered, and ready to face the grueling demands of network television.
Whether it’s the quiet stability of Eamonn and Sandra Walker, the family foundation of David and Chrysti Eigenberg, or the whimsical charm of Kara Killmer and her Halloween party meet-cute, the Chicago Fire cast has found its real-life happy endings. These enduring partnerships serve as a powerful reminder that while the drama burns bright on screen, true happiness is often found in the quiet, supportive moments with the ones you love most.
