Early Life in Lancaster County
Taylor Kinney was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, growing up in the small community of Neffsville. He attended Lancaster Mennonite High School, graduating in 2000. Even in his early years, Kinney showed a natural charm and confidence that hinted at a future in entertainment.
Kinney’s connection to his hometown remains strong. He is a local investor in Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse, a combined movie theater, restaurant, and distillery in Lancaster. It’s not unusual to spot him attending events in the Susquehanna Valley, showing that despite his Hollywood success, he has never forgotten his roots.
Early Acting Career
Kinney began pursuing acting professionally in the mid-2000s. His first major television role came in 2006 when he starred in the telenovela Fashion House on MyNetworkTV. Though short-lived, the series offered Kinney his first taste of life in front of the camera as a lead actor.
In 2009, he landed another lead role in NBC’s Trauma, a drama centered on paramedics in San Francisco. Despite strong performances, the show was canceled after just one season, but it helped establish Kinney as a rising talent in television drama.
Breakthrough Roles
Taylor Kinney’s career gained traction with a recurring role in The Vampire Diaries. He played Mason Lockwood, a werewolf whose story arc spanned several episodes in the show’s second season. Although the character was eventually killed off, Kinney’s performance won him attention in the supernatural drama community.
Following that, Kinney guest-starred in popular TV series including CSI: NY, Rizzoli & Isles, Shameless, and Castle. These appearances helped him develop versatility across genres, from crime dramas to supernatural thrillers.
Chicago Fire and Mainstream Fame
In 2012, Taylor Kinney secured the role that would define his career: Lieutenant Kelly Severide in NBC’s Chicago Fire. The show follows the lives of firefighters at Firehouse 51, blending action, drama, and character-driven storylines. Kinney’s portrayal of Severide—a courageous, emotionally complex firefighter—has made him a fan favorite and a staple of the One Chicago franchise.
The role has given Kinney long-term visibility and opened doors to other opportunities, including public appearances, interviews, and brand endorsements. Chicago Fire continues to air successfully, and Kinney remains an integral part of the cast.
Film Work and Music Video Fame
Beyond television, Kinney has film credits that include notable projects like Zero Dark Thirty (2012), in which he played a Navy SEAL involved in the operation to take down Osama bin Laden. While the role was small, it added to his credibility as a serious actor capable of handling intense, action-driven scenes.
Kinney also gained mainstream attention through his work in the music industry. He starred as Lady Gaga’s love interest in her 2011 music video “You & I.” Their relationship blossomed off-camera, leading to an engagement in 2015, though they ended the relationship in 2016.
Personal Life
In 2022, Kinney began dating model Ashley Cruger, and the couple married in April 2024. Despite his busy career, he maintains close ties to family, friends, and his Lancaster roots, balancing Hollywood life with local investments and community involvement.
Legacy and Influence
Taylor Kinney has built a career marked by dedication, versatility, and a strong connection to his hometown. From his early days in Lancaster County to his breakout roles on television and film, Kinney has become a household name while staying grounded in his roots. His ongoing work in Chicago Fire continues to captivate fans, and his involvement in projects like Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse highlights his commitment to both the arts and his local community.
