On-screen, Miranda Rae Mayo blazes into action as Lieutenant Stella Kidd, the bold and brilliant firefighter who keeps Firehouse 51 on its toes. Since joining Chicago Fire in 2016, she’s become a fan favorite — and one half of the show’s power couple, “Stellaride,” alongside Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide.
But off-screen, Mayo leads a life that looks very different from the adrenaline-fueled rescues her character tackles every week. Thoughtful, spiritual, and committed to her own growth, she prefers slowing down, reconnecting with family, and living a life rooted in mindfulness. Here’s a closer look at the woman behind the turnout gear.
Discovering Her Stage Spark
Mayo’s love of performing started long before she was gracing NBC’s primetime lineup. At school, she found herself swept up in the magic of acting. “I remember I got cast as the Wicked Witch of the West in my sixth-grade production of The Wizard of Oz,” she once shared. “It was pretty much a wrap after that.”
After high school, she moved to Los Angeles, where she dabbled in modeling before landing her first acting gigs. By 2011, her TV career was underway. Fans may remember her early roles on Days of Our Lives (2013–15), Pretty Little Liars (2015), and the short-lived Blood & Oil (2015). Those stepping-stones ultimately paved her path to Chicago Fire, where she’s thrived for nearly a decade.
Finding a Second Home in Chicago
A role on a Chicago-based show means a lot of time spent in the Windy City — something Mayo has embraced wholeheartedly. She’s developed a routine and found her favorite local hangouts.
“Most days you can find me spinning or lifting with Emily Hutchins, the owner of On Your Mark Fitness,” she revealed in an interview. She also loves stopping by Infiniteus, a juice and crystal shop that fuels both her body and her spirit.
A Commitment to Wellness & Community
Mayo’s life isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s also about mental and spiritual balance. She’s partnered with The Holistic Life Foundation, an organization that brings yoga and mindfulness practices to underserved communities.
When she gets time off, her favorite rituals include “lots of music and yoga” — and being surrounded by her many circles of family. “My blood family, my chosen family, my LA family, my Chicago Fire family, my spiritual family — I have a ton of family,” she said.
Stella Kidd and Self-Discovery
Interestingly, Mayo credits her role on Chicago Fire as a major influence on her personal growth. Playing Stella Kidd has not only challenged her professionally but also emotionally.
“One of the things I love about Stella is she is courageous, not only in her profession but in her relationships,” Mayo explained. “She has been an incredible vehicle for me to explore many different sides of myself. Doing that in a community with my castmates has affected my mental health tremendously.”
At the same time, she admits that self-discovery under the public eye isn’t always easy. “There’s a lot of pressure that I put on myself to be quote-unquote perfect,” she said, openly acknowledging the challenges of shadow work in such a visible career.
Private When It Comes to Love
When it comes to romance, Miranda Rae Mayo is far more guarded. While fans often speculate about her chemistry with Taylor Kinney, the two are simply close friends. In 2015, she was linked to actor Luke Baines after the pair appeared cozy at the Toronto International Film Festival while promoting their film The Girl in the Photographs.
These days, Mayo appears to be single — and more focused on her personal journey than the public spotlight on her relationships.
More Than Stella
Miranda Rae Mayo may play a fearless firefighter on screen, but her off-screen story is just as inspiring. She’s an actress who values wellness, community, and self-care as much as career success. Whether she’s lifting weights, practicing yoga, or exploring spiritual growth, she continues to balance the bright lights of Hollywood with a deeply grounded life.
For fans, it’s clear: Miranda Rae Mayo isn’t just acting courageous — she’s living it.
