Miranda Rae Mayo has captured hearts as Stella Kidd on NBC’s Chicago Fire. Since joining the drama in 2016, she has become a fan favorite and one-half of the show’s beloved couple, “Stellaride.” While Stella’s life at Firehouse 51 is high-octane and intense, Miranda’s off-screen life is all about balance, connection, and self-care. Here’s a glimpse into the life of the actress behind the firehouse hero.
A Passion for Acting Sparked Early
Miranda’s journey into acting began during her school years. Reflecting on her sixth-grade performance as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, Miranda told Tell-Tale TV:
“It was pretty much a wrap after that.”
After high school, Miranda moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. Initially working as a model, she made her TV debut in 2011. Before landing her role on Chicago Fire, she gained experience on shows like Days of Our Lives (2013-15), Pretty Little Liars (2015), and Blood & Oil (2015).
Embracing Life in Chicago
As a key player in Chicago Fire, Miranda spends much of her time in the Windy City. She’s come to embrace the local culture and has her favorite spots around town. In an interview with Fangirlish, she shared:
“Most days you can find me spinning or lifting with Emily Hutchins, the owner of On Your Mark Fitness.”
Miranda is also a fan of Infiniteus, a juice and crystal shop on North Avenue, where she enjoys supporting local businesses. Her passion for wellness extends to her work with the Holistic Life Foundation, an organization that promotes mindfulness and yoga practices in underserved communities.
For Miranda, self-care is essential. On her days off, she loves to focus on music, yoga, and spending time with her extensive network of loved ones, which she affectionately refers to as her “family”—whether it’s her biological family, her chosen family, or her Chicago Fire family.
Mental Health and Stella Kidd’s Impact
Playing Stella Kidd has not only been a career-defining role but also a personally transformative one. Miranda credits her character with helping her explore different facets of herself.
“One of the things I love about Stella is she is courageous, not only in her profession but in her relationships,” Miranda shared.
She admitted that portraying Stella has impacted her mental health in positive ways, though the process hasn’t always been easy:
“There’s a lot of pressure I’ve put on myself to be quote-unquote perfect. But being part of a supportive cast and working in such a close-knit community has made a tremendous difference.”
Love Life: Keeping It Private
While fans adore Stella’s on-screen chemistry with Kelly Severide (played by Taylor Kinney), Miranda keeps her personal relationships under wraps. Despite speculation about her connection with co-stars, Miranda and Taylor are just good friends.
In the past, she was linked to Luke Baines, her co-star from The Girl in the Photographs. The two were spotted together at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015, but neither confirmed a relationship. As of now, Miranda appears to be single and focused on her personal and professional growth.
A Star Who Shines Beyond the Screen
Miranda Rae Mayo’s life outside of Chicago Fire reveals a grounded, thoughtful individual committed to wellness, family, and personal growth. Whether she’s portraying Stella Kidd, practicing yoga, or connecting with her many “families,” Miranda’s authenticity shines through, endearing her even more to fans.
For those who admire her on-screen bravery and off-screen serenity, Miranda Rae Mayo remains a true inspiration.
