NBC’s Chicago Fire has captivated fans with its blend of intense firefighting drama and complex character relationships over the years. One of the standout pairings that has won over fans is “Stellaride,” the fan-dubbed relationship between Stella Kidd (played by Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). Despite countless obstacles — from injuries and close calls to near-breakups — this couple remains one of the show’s most beloved relationships.
Stella and Kelly’s connection didn’t happen overnight. Stella entered the show dealing with an unhappy marriage, while Kelly had his own series of romantic entanglements. However, when they finally got together, their chemistry ignited fan interest and has kept audiences invested through every challenge. As Stella prepares to advance her career to lieutenant in Season 9, fans are eager to see how these new dynamics will affect their relationship.
In an exclusive interview with Looper, Miranda Rae Mayo shared her thoughts on what makes “Stellaride” so compelling and the unique experience of playing one half of a fan-favorite relationship.
The Power of Presence: Mayo on Acting with Taylor Kinney
For Mayo, the energy and depth in her scenes with Kinney come from their shared commitment to being fully in the moment. “I think that the reason why there is so much movement around the relationship is, there’s just a lot of presence in the moment,” she explained. “When we do those scenes, I learn a lot from working with Taylor. He is so present and so skilled.”
Mayo credits this on-screen chemistry as a big part of why fans are so attached to “Stellaride.” Their interactions feel authentic, reflecting both the ups and downs of real relationships and resonating deeply with viewers. As Stella and Kelly face new personal and professional challenges, Mayo’s focus on keeping the scenes honest and grounded has helped bring the dynamic to life in a way that fans can’t get enough of.
Fan Reactions: A Gift That Keeps Giving
The positive fan response to “Stellaride” is something Mayo truly enjoys. “It’s a lot of energy,” she noted, adding that the enthusiasm from fans makes her feel like she’s giving them a gift. “It’s almost like Christmas shopping… ‘Oh, my God. I cannot wait to see their face when they open this.’”
Yet, while she loves the fan support, Mayo admitted she’s curious about what it might feel like to play a character in a less popular relationship. “I’d actually be curious to see what the experience would be like being in a relationship where the fans hate it,” she laughed. “I feel like it might be even more fun.” For now, though, Mayo embraces the joy of bringing “Stellaride” to life and appreciates being part of a relationship that continues to strike a chord with audiences.
