Miranda Rae Mayo has earned a special place in the hearts of “Chicago Fire” fans ever since she joined the cast in 2016. Her portrayal of Stella Kidd, one-half of the fan-favorite ‘Stellaride’ couple, has made her a central figure in the series. However, while Stella is often involved in high-stakes situation at Firehouse 51, Miranda’s real life is much more grounded and serene, revolving around her family, friends, and community.
The Spark of Passion for Acting
Miranda’s journey into acting began in her school days. In an interview with Tell Tale TV, she recalled how a school production of The Wizard of Oz sparked her love for the craft: “I got cast as the Wicked Witch of the West in my sixth-grade play, and it was pretty much a wrap after that.” That early experience set the stage for her career, and after high school, Miranda moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She dabbled in modeling before making her television debut in 2011. Her career took off, and before landing her iconic role on Chicago Fire, Miranda appeared in shows such as Days of Our Lives (2013-2015), Pretty Little Liars (2015), and Blood & Oil (2015).
A Life in Chicago
Living in Chicago for her role on Chicago Fire, Miranda has come to love the city. She enjoys staying fit and frequently visits local spots like On Your Mark Fitness, where she trains with owner Emily Hutchins. Another favorite of hers is Infiniteus, a juice and crystal shop on North Avenue. Miranda also values self-care and works with The Holistic Life Foundation, an organization dedicated to teaching mindfulness and yoga in underserved communities.
When it comes to her personal time, Miranda prioritizes wellness, often indulging in yoga, music, and spending time with her extensive family, which includes her biological relatives, friends, and her Chicago Fire castmates. “I have a ton of family. My blood family, my chosen family, my LA family, my Chicago Fire family, my spiritual family,” she said in an interview.
Mental Health and Stella Kidd’s Influence
Miranda is open about her mental health journey, and she credits her portrayal of Stella for helping her explore different facets of herself. She shared that playing Stella has allowed her to take on roles that challenge her mentally and emotionally. “Stella has been an incredible vehicle for me to explore many different sides of myself,” she explained. “Being able to do that in a community with the cast I work with has affected my mental health tremendously.” She also mentioned how she enjoys seeing Stella’s courageous actions, not only in her career but also in her relationships, as an inspiring element of her character.
A Private Love Life
While Miranda’s chemistry with co-star Taylor Kinney, who plays Kelly Severide, is undeniable on-screen, their relationship remains professional. Miranda keeps her personal life out of the public eye. She was once romantically linked to actor Luke Baines after their collaboration on the film The Girl in the Photographs and their appearance together at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015. However, it appears that Miranda is currently single, focusing on her career and personal growth.
