In the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, it’s easy to forget that some stars come from humble beginnings. For Taylor Kinney, the heartthrob best known for his role as Lt. Kelly Severide on NBC’s Chicago Fire, his story begins far from the red carpet — in the quiet town of Neffsville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Raised with small-town values and a deep-rooted sense of community, Kinney graduated from Lancaster Mennonite in 2000. Though he may have once walked the halls like any other student, his path was always destined to stand out. His rise to fame began in 2006, when he landed his first major TV role in the telenovela Fashion House on MyNetworkTV. But it was only the beginning.
In 2009, he took the lead in NBC’s Trauma, playing a paramedic navigating life-and-death situations on the streets of San Francisco. Though the show lasted just one season, it opened doors. His breakout moment came soon after, when he joined the supernatural world of The Vampire Diaries, captivating audiences as the brooding werewolf Mason Lockwood.
Guest appearances followed — from CSI: NY to Rizzoli & Isles, Shameless, and Castle — but it was in 2012 that Kinney found the role that would define his career. As Lt. Severide on Chicago Fire, he’s become a fan favorite, portraying courage, loyalty, and vulnerability with a depth that resonates deeply with viewers. Over a decade later, the show remains a pillar of NBC’s One Chicago franchise, and Kinney’s presence is still as powerful as ever.
His talents extend beyond television. In 2012, he appeared in Kathryn Bigelow’s Oscar-nominated Zero Dark Thirty, portraying a Navy SEAL in the high-stakes mission to eliminate Osama bin Laden. He’s also made a mark in pop culture, famously starring as Lady Gaga’s love interest in her 2011 music video You & I. The two shared a whirlwind romance, eventually getting engaged in 2015 before parting ways in 2016.
In recent years, Kinney has found love again. He began dating model Ashley Cruger in 2022, and in April 2024, the couple quietly tied the knot — a private celebration that perfectly suits Kinney’s grounded personality.
Despite his fame, Kinney remains closely connected to his roots. He’s often spotted back home in the Susquehanna Valley and even invested in Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse — a unique blend of movie theater, restaurant, and distillery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It’s a full-circle moment: a hometown hero giving back to the place that raised him.
Taylor Kinney’s story is more than a Hollywood success — it’s a testament to staying true to who you are. From small-town beginnings to national stardom, he’s built a career and life marked by grit, humility, and heart. And that’s what makes him not just a star, but someone fans can truly root for.
