Taylor Kinney is an American actor and model, best known for his role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide on NBC’s long-running drama Chicago Fire. Born on July 15, 1981, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kinney was raised in the Neffsville area by his mother, Pamela Heisler, a dental hygienist, after his parents’ divorce. He has three brothers: Adam, Ryan, and Trent. Kinney graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in 2000 and went on to study business management at West Virginia University before discovering a passion for acting .    

Career

Kinney’s acting career began in 2006 with a breakout role as Luke Gianni in the TV series Fashion House. He gained further recognition with recurring roles as Mason Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries and as Glenn Morrison in NBC’s Trauma. In 2011, he appeared in Lady Gaga’s music video for “You and I,” which marked a turning point both professionally and personally.  

In 2012, Kinney was cast as Lieutenant Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire, a role that brought him widespread acclaim and led to appearances in the franchise’s spin-offs, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. His film credits include roles in Zero Dark Thirty (2012), The Other Woman (2014), and The Forest (2016) .  

Personal Life

Kinney began dating singer-songwriter Lady Gaga in July 2011 after meeting on the set of her “You and I” music video. The couple became engaged in February 2015 but ended their engagement in July 2016 . 

In 2022, Kinney started dating model Ashley Cruger. The couple married in a private ceremony in Chicago on April 30, 2024 . 

Fun Fact

Outside of acting, Kinney enjoys barbecuing with his brothers, considering it a cherished family tradition. He has expressed a particular fondness for grilling, often experimenting with various techniques and recipes during family gatherings . 

Taylor Kinney continues to be a prominent figure in television, captivating audiences with his performances and maintaining a strong presence in the entertainment industry.