We’ve spent over a decade watching the tangled love lives of the heroes at Firehouse 51. From the “will-they-won’t-they” tension of Casey and Brett to the fiery passion of Stellaride, the on-screen chemistry is so palpable it’s easy to forget these actors have whole other lives when the cameras stop rolling. While the show thrives on cliffhangers and heartbreak, the real-life romances of the Chicago Fire cast are often much more stable—and sometimes, even more romantic than the scripts. As of December 20, 2025, here is the lowdown on who is actually holding the keys to the hearts of your favorite firefighters.
The Secret Groom: Taylor Kinney’s Surprise Marriage
For years, Taylor Kinney was one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors (especially after his high-profile split from Lady Gaga). However, the man behind Kelly Severide officially hung up his bachelor badge in a move that shocked the fandom.
Meet Ashley Cruger: The New Mrs. Kinney
In April 2024, Taylor Kinney quietly married model Ashley Cruger in an intimate ceremony in Chicago. The couple had been dating since 2022, and while they occasionally share a sweet snap on Instagram, they’ve kept their marriage largely out of the tabloid spotlight. Sorry, ladies—Severide is officially off the market!
Why the “Stellaride” Dating Rumors Never Died
Despite Kinney being married, the “Stellaride” shippers still hope for a real-life spark with Miranda Rae Mayo. While the two share an incredible bond and are close friends, their relationship is strictly professional. Miranda herself tends to keep her private life under lock and key, though she recently discussed exploring new perspectives on love and partnership in a podcast appearance.
The Crew Connection: Joe Minoso’s Set-Side Romance
Sometimes, you don’t have to look far to find “the one.” Joe Minoso, who plays the lovable Joe Cruz, found his soulmate exactly where he spends most of his time: on the set of Chicago Fire.
The Makeup Artist Who Stole His Heart
Joe Minoso is married to Caitlin Murphy Miles, a talented makeup artist who worked on the show. They tied the knot in 2016, and Minoso frequently posts heartwarming tributes to her. It’s a true “behind-the-scenes” love story that proves the firehouse family extends to the crew as well.
Long-Term Love: The “Old Guard” and Their Solid Foundations
While the younger stars are navigating new marriages, the veterans of Firehouse 51 have some of the most enduring relationships in Hollywood.
David Eigenberg’s 20-Year Legacy
David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann) has been happily married to his wife, Chrysti, since 2002. They met right after 9/11 while she was serving in the Army, and David often jokes that he “knew she was the girl” the moment he saw her. Their long-term stability is a far cry from the chaotic life of a TV firefighter.
Christian Stolte’s Real-Life Mouch-Trudy Balance
While “Mouch” is famously married to Chicago P.D.’s Trudy Platt, Christian Stolte has been married to his real-life wife, Kim Whitehead-Stolte, for over 25 years. They have two daughters, both of whom have actually made cameos on the show!
Real-Life Partners of the Chicago Fire Stars
| Actor | Character | Real-Life Partner | Status |
| Taylor Kinney | Kelly Severide | Ashley Cruger | Married (2024) |
| Jesse Spencer | Matt Casey | Dr. Kali Woodruff Carr | Married (2020) |
| Joe Minoso | Joe Cruz | Caitlin Murphy Miles | Married (2016) |
| David Eigenberg | Christopher Herrmann | Chrysti Eigenberg | Married (2002) |
| Jocelyn Hudon | Lizzie Novak | Jake Manley | Married (2022) |
| Kara Killmer | Sylvie Brett | Andrew Cheney | Married (2015) |
The Doctors and Scientists: Partners Outside the Industry
Not every star wants to date a fellow actor. Some of the most interesting romances at 51 involve partners with very different day jobs.
Jesse Spencer’s Real-Life Doctor
Jesse Spencer (Matt Casey) is married to Dr. Kali Woodruff Carr, a research scientist. They met at a music festival in Chicago in 2014 and married in 2020. They even welcomed their first child in 2022. It turns out Casey really does have a thing for brilliant women, both on and off-screen!
Kara Killmer’s “Beyond the Mask” Leading Man
Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett) met her husband, actor Andrew Cheney, while filming the movie Beyond the Mask in 2015. Their shared faith and passion for storytelling have made them one of the most low-key and supportive couples in the industry.
Conclusion: Real Love is the Ultimate Rescue
It’s easy to get swept up in the dramatic breakups and explosive reconciliations of Chicago Fire, but the real-life romances of the cast remind us that true love is often much quieter. Whether it’s meeting on a movie set, in the makeup trailer, or even at a music festival, these stars have found their “forever” people away from the sirens and smoke. As we continue to follow their characters’ journeys, it’s nice to know that when the actors go home, they’re greeted by a lot less tragedy and a lot more “happily ever after.”
