From powerhouse firefighter to emotional cornerstone of Chicago Fire, Miranda Rae Mayo has carved out a place as one of the show’s most compelling characters and actors. As Stella Kidd, she’s not only a role model for fans but a trailblazer within the One Chicago universe—bold, brave, and beautifully human.
Whether she’s battling flames, advocating for women in the CFD, or navigating the ups and downs of love with Kelly Severide, Mayo brings unmatched depth and vulnerability to the screen.
🔥 Meet Stella Kidd: A Fan-Favorite Since Day One
Introduced in Season 4, Stella Kidd started as a refreshing addition to Firehouse 51—a driven firefighter with a rebellious streak and a soft spot for her crew. Her confidence, quick wit, and loyalty made her an instant standout.
But it was her slow-burn romance with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) that truly won viewers’ hearts. From will-they-won’t-they tension to a fan-favorite wedding and—spoiler alert—a baby on the way, Stellaride became one of the most beloved couples in Chicago Fire history.
In recent seasons, Kidd’s promotion to lieutenant and her founding of the “Girls on Fire” program—which mentors young women in firefighting—cemented her as a leader both inside and outside the firehouse.
💬 “Stella doesn’t back down from a fight,” Mayo once said. “But she always leads with her heart.”
🎭 From Soap Operas to Primetime Stardom
Before her Chicago Fire fame, Miranda Rae Mayo was already rising fast. The California native first made waves in soap operas and teen dramas, including:
-
Days of Our Lives (2014)
-
Pretty Little Liars as Talia Sandoval
-
The Game
-
True Detective (Season 2)
-
Blood & Oil as Lacey Briggs
Her versatility and charisma helped her transition from daytime TV to major primetime roles with ease.
🌟 A Role Model On and Off Screen
In addition to her work on Chicago Fire, Mayo is known for her empowerment advocacy, particularly for young women and marginalized communities. She’s also spoken openly about mental health, self-care, and authenticity in Hollywood.
Off set, she’s a visual artist, singer-songwriter, and self-proclaimed “spiritual seeker.” Her introspective, poetic social media presence gives fans a glimpse into a more meditative side of the star.
💬 “Acting is a service,” she once said. “It’s my way of helping people see themselves—and love themselves—more fully.”
👶 What’s Next: Stellaride’s Baby and Season 14
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale delivered a bombshell: Stella is pregnant. For longtime Stellaride fans, the reveal marks a new chapter in the couple’s journey—and Mayo is at the center of it all.
With Season 14 on the horizon and confirmed to include both Mayo and Taylor Kinney, fans are eagerly awaiting how motherhood, leadership, and love continue to shape Kidd’s story.
🏆 Recognition and Legacy
Though Miranda Rae Mayo hasn’t yet received a major TV award nomination, she’s earned:
-
Widespread critical praise for her performance as Stella Kidd
-
Fan-voted honors on One Chicago sites and social media campaigns
-
A reputation as one of Chicago Fire’s most respected and consistent performers
📌 Quick Facts: Miranda Rae Mayo
-
Birthdate: August 14, 1990
-
Hometown: Fresno, California
-
First Major Role: Days of Our Lives
-
Known For: Chicago Fire, Pretty Little Liars, Blood & Oil
-
Hobbies: Painting, meditation, songwriting
-
Fun Fact: She once described herself as a “poet disguised as a firefighter”
💬 Final Word
Miranda Rae Mayo’s Stella Kidd is the kind of TV heroine we don’t get often enough—complicated, strong, nurturing, and unafraid to take up space. As both actress and advocate, Mayo’s impact on Chicago Fire and her fans is undeniable.
And with the next season promising motherhood, more leadership, and new firehouse challenges, Stella Kidd’s flame isn’t dimming anytime soon.
