Taylor Kinney may be best known for playing Lieutenant Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, but off-screen, the actor leads a life that blends low-key Midwestern roots, artistic ambition, and moments of high-profile romance. After more than a decade as one of the faces of NBC’s One Chicago universe, Kinney has become not just a fan-favorite, but a bit of an enigma in real life.
From Pennsylvania Roots to Hollywood Recognition
Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Taylor Kinney remains close to his small-town beginnings. Despite his fame, he frequently retreats to his home state, far from the chaos of Hollywood or the Windy City. Friends and co-stars have described him as grounded, quiet, and passionate about his work — someone who prefers fishing or riding his motorcycle over red carpet events.
Before acting, Kinney studied business management at West Virginia University, but he soon pivoted to pursue performance. His breakout role came in The Vampire Diaries, but it was Chicago Fire that solidified his place in primetime TV history.
A Private Man With a Public Romance
Kinney’s most public relationship was with pop icon Lady Gaga. The two met on the set of her 2011 music video for “You and I” and were engaged in 2015. Their split in 2016 was met with a wave of fan heartbreak, especially given how often Gaga credited Kinney for his support and grounding presence during some of her most intense career moments.
Though their relationship ended, it was amicable, and both have spoken warmly of each other in interviews since. Gaga even alluded to the breakup in her documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, calling Kinney “her first true love.”
Since then, Kinney has kept his dating life firmly under wraps, rarely being spotted with romantic partners in public. In recent years, there have been occasional rumors, but the actor seems to value his privacy above all else.
Life After Temporary Exit from Chicago Fire
In early 2023, Kinney took a temporary leave from Chicago Fire for undisclosed personal reasons. Fans were shocked, especially as his character was written out with very little warning. However, his absence was short-lived, and when he returned for season 12, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
While neither Kinney nor NBC elaborated much on the reason for his break, insiders say it was a “well-deserved” chance for the actor to focus on his personal life. Whether it was about family, health, or simply stepping away from the constant grind of network television, Kinney’s return proved his commitment to the show — and to his loyal fans.
Art, Motorcycles, and Giving Back
Kinney is also an avid painter and photographer. Though he rarely shares his work publicly, friends say he finds peace in creative outlets. He’s been spotted at art shows, motorcycle charity events, and veteran support organizations — causes close to his heart.
He’s also quietly supported the families of first responders. As the face of one of TV’s most beloved firefighters, Kinney has used his platform to speak about the sacrifices real-life fire crews make. He’s donated to firefighter relief funds and visited injured service members in hospitals.
What’s Next?
Though Kinney hasn’t expressed any desire to leave Chicago Fire for good, his recent break was a reminder that he’s a multifaceted individual with ambitions and needs that stretch beyond the screen. Whether it’s future film roles, his love for visual arts, or another unexpected career pivot, fans will surely be watching.
Taylor Kinney remains one of the most compelling examples of a star who lives nothing like his celebrity status might suggest — humble, introspective, and quietly charismatic. Just like Kelly Severide, the man behind the badge has a lot more going on beneath the surface.
