While Chicago Fire fans know Taylor Kinney best as the smoldering and heroic Lieutenant Kelly Severide, the actor’s off-screen love story is just as captivating—though far more private. After years of keeping his personal life under wraps, Kinney surprised fans in 2024 by marrying model Ashley Cruger in a low-key Chicago ceremony. Here’s everything we know about his now-wife, their blossoming relationship, and the high-profile romance he left behind.
đź‘° Who Is Ashley Cruger?
Taylor Kinney’s wife, Ashley Cruger, is a model who became the actor’s first public girlfriend since his famous split from pop icon Lady Gaga. While Cruger isn’t part of Hollywood’s A-list, she’s no stranger to the camera, with a growing modeling career and a naturally magnetic presence.
The couple began dating in early 2022, and Kinney made it Instagram official in March of that year with a playful snap showing Cruger giving him a classic side-eye while getting her nails done. It was a rare, lighthearted peek into Kinney’s personal world—and fans instantly took to her.
A month later, the pair made their first public appearance together at Operation Smile’s Ski Challenge in Park City, Utah. They were all smiles on the red carpet, and it quickly became clear this wasn’t just a fling.
đź’’ A Private Wedding in the Windy City
Kinney and Cruger tied the knot on April 30, 2024, in what sources described as a “small, private ceremony in Chicago.” The wedding was a fitting tribute to Kinney’s adopted hometown and the backdrop for his hit show Chicago Fire. The ceremony was intimate, understated, and filled with close family and friends—exactly the kind of grounded love story fans have come to expect from the low-profile couple.
🎬 Did Ashley Cruger Appear on Chicago Fire?
She sure did—briefly! In a fun behind-the-scenes twist, Cruger made a cameo in the Chicago Fire Season 11 premiere (September 2022). She appeared in Molly’s Pub, raising a glass with the firefighters in a celebratory moment. While she didn’t share screen time with Kinney’s Severide or deliver any lines, fans were thrilled by the subtle nod to their real-life romance.
Cruger later posted a screenshot from the scene on Instagram with the caption:
“First episode of Chicago Fire aired last night and I got to sneak on. Ily @taylorkinney111.”
❤️ Before Ashley: Kinney’s Famous Romance with Lady Gaga
Long before Ashley Cruger entered the picture, Kinney was in one of Hollywood’s most buzzed-about relationships. He began dating Lady Gaga in 2011 after meeting on the set of her “Yoü and I” music video. The chemistry was instant, and they became one of the industry’s most glamorous couples.
In 2015, Kinney proposed on Valentine’s Day with a heart-shaped diamond ring, and the two seemed inseparable. But by July 2016, they had quietly ended their engagement, citing busy schedules and the pressures of fame. Despite the breakup, both parties spoke respectfully of one another in the years that followed.
đź’« Real Life vs. Reel Life: Married On and Off Screen
While Kinney is married to Ashley Cruger in real life, his Chicago Fire alter ego, Kelly Severide, is married to Stella Kidd, portrayed by Miranda Rae Mayo. The characters tied the knot in Season 10, and their partnership continues to be one of the show’s emotional anchors. In fact, Season 13 ended with a game-changing revelation: Stella might be pregnant, adding a whole new layer to their onscreen love story.
Between the character’s evolving domestic life and Kinney’s own marriage, fans are witnessing parallel love stories—both fictional and real—that are warming hearts across the One Chicago fandom.
đź’¬ Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Taylor Kinney
After years of guarding his private life, Taylor Kinney is finally stepping into a season of love, stability, and personal growth. Whether it’s chasing flames in Chicago Fire or relaxing in quiet moments with his wife Ashley Cruger, Kinney proves that real-life romance can be just as captivating as anything scripted.
And for those still swooning over Severide—don’t worry. He’s not going anywhere. Kinney recently re-upped his contract for Season 14, keeping him firmly at the heart of Firehouse 51 and in the hearts of millions of fans.
