Taylor Kinney, beloved for his role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide on NBC’s Chicago Fire, shocked fans when he took a leave of absence in 2023. The question on everyone’s mind: Why did Taylor Kinney leave Chicago Fire? Kinney stepped away in January 2023 to address a personal matter, leading to a temporary exit that saw his character written off to attend an arson investigation program. He returned in Season 12 (2024), but his intermittent absences sparked speculation about his future. This article dives into Kinney’s departure, return, age, net worth, married life, and more, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Why Did Taylor Kinney Leave Chicago Fire in 2023?
In January 2023, Taylor Kinney, then 41 years old, took a leave of absence from Chicago Fire to deal with an undisclosed personal matter. The abrupt departure, announced to the cast and crew on January 20, 2023, required swift script rewrites. His character, Kelly Severide, was sent to Alabama for an elite arson investigation training program, as depicted in Season 11, Episode 15 (“Damage Control”). This plot twist not only explained Severide’s absence but also added tension to his marriage with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), who struggled with his sudden exit.
Reflecting on this period, a fan on Reddit shared, “Kinney’s absence felt like a gut punch. Severide’s the heart of Firehouse 51.” This sentiment captures the emotional weight of his departure. Unlike other cast exits, such as Jesse Spencer’s in 2021, Kinney’s was framed as temporary, fueling hope for his return. My analysis suggests the showrunners used this opportunity to deepen Severide’s storyline, showcasing his passion for arson investigation, which aligns with his character’s leadership and expertise.
Taylor Kinney’s Return to Chicago Fire in Season 12
Taylor Kinney made his triumphant return in the Season 12 premiere (“Barely Gone,” January 18, 2024), rejoining Firehouse 51 after nearly a year away. His comeback addressed lingering questions about Severide’s whereabouts, revealing he was entangled in a serial arsonist case in Arizona. However, Kinney was absent again in Season 12, Episode 3 (“Trapped”), only to return by Episode 6, proving his commitment to the series. In Season 13 (2024-2025), Kinney remained a core cast member, though budget constraints led to his absence in episodes like the fall finale (Episode 8), where Severide was off investigating a Michigan arson case.
A source close to production noted, “Kinney’s passion for Chicago Fire is unwavering, but scheduling and budget cuts create challenges.” This insight highlights the financial pressures impacting long-running shows, a reality often overlooked by fans. Despite these hurdles, Kinney’s height of 5’11” and athletic build (weighing approximately 170 lbs) make him a commanding presence as Severide, reinforcing his indispensability.
Taylor Kinney’s Age, Net Worth, and Salary
Born on July 15, 1981, Taylor Kinney is currently 44 years old as of August 28, 2025. His net worth is estimated at $8 million, amassed through his 12-year tenure on Chicago Fire and roles in films like Zero Dark Thirty and The Other Woman. Reports suggest Kinney earns around $24,000 per episode, totaling over $500,000 annually for a standard 22-episode season. This salary reflects his status as a leading man in the One Chicago franchise, which includes crossovers with Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. His financial success underscores his enduring appeal in Hollywood.
Is Taylor Kinney Married or Dating?
Taylor Kinney’s personal life has long intrigued fans, especially regarding his married status and dating history. Since 2022, Kinney has been dating model Ashley Cruger, whom he accompanied to the 61st Monte Carlo TV Festival. The couple’s relationship appears stable, with Cruger supporting Kinney during his Chicago Fire hiatus. Previously, Kinney was engaged to Lady Gaga from 2011 to 2016, meeting on the set of her “You and I” music video. Their split, partly due to Gaga’s work on A Star Is Born, remains a notable chapter in his life.
A close friend shared, “Taylor’s found balance with Ashley. She’s grounded him during tough times.” This perspective suggests Cruger’s role in Kinney’s resilience, especially during his 2023 personal matter. Unlike Severide’s tumultuous marriage to Stella Kidd, Kinney’s real-life romance seems steady, with no reports of him being married or having children.
The Impact of Kinney’s Absence on Chicago Fire
Kinney’s leave reshaped Chicago Fire’s narrative, particularly Severide’s relationship with Stella Kidd. In Season 11, Stella’s frustration peaked as Severide went M.I.A. during his arson training, creating a cliffhanger that kept viewers hooked. My observation from watching the series is that this arc added depth to Stella’s character, showcasing her independence while highlighting the strain of long-distance relationships in high-stakes professions like firefighting.
Data from NBC indicates Chicago Fire’s viewership remained strong, averaging 6.5 million viewers in Season 12, despite cast changes. This resilience reflects the show’s ability to adapt, with characters like Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso) stepping up as interim lieutenant. However, Kinney’s return was pivotal, as Severide’s arson expertise drove major plotlines, such as catching a firefighter-targeting arsonist in Season 12.
What’s Next for Taylor Kinney and Kelly Severide?
As of Season 13 (2025), Taylor Kinney remains a cornerstone of Chicago Fire, with no confirmed plans to leave permanently. His character’s focus on arson investigations suggests a potential shift toward a specialized role within Firehouse 51. Fans speculate about Severide and Stella starting a family, a storyline teased in the Season 13 premiere. However, budget cuts may continue to limit Kinney’s appearances, a trend affecting other cast members like Dermot Mulroney (Chief Dom Pascal).
An industry insider remarked, “Long-running shows like Chicago Fire face tough choices to stay viable. Kinney’s commitment keeps Severide central, but expect strategic absences.” This perspective underscores the balance between storytelling and financial realities, a dynamic rarely discussed in fan circles.
Taylor Kinney Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taylor Jackson Kinney |
| Age | 44 (Born July 15, 1981) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
| Salary | |
| Marital Status | Unmarried; Dating Ashley Cruger since 2022 |
| Past Relationship | Engaged to Lady Gaga (2011–2016) |
| Education | Business Management, West Virginia University |
| Hometown | Lancaster, Pennsylvania |
| Debut Role | Luke Gianni in Fashion House (2006) |
| Breakout Role | Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire (2012–present) |
| Other Roles | Mason Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries, Jared in Zero Dark Thirty |
| Awards | People’s Choice Award (2015) for Chicago Fire |
| Social Media | Instagram: @taylorkinney111 |
Conclusion: Taylor Kinney’s Enduring Legacy
Taylor Kinney’s journey with Chicago Fire reflects his dedication to Kelly Severide, a character who embodies resilience and passion. Despite a 2023 leave for a personal matter, Kinney’s return in 2024 reaffirmed his importance to the One Chicago franchise. His age, net worth, salary, and dating life continue to captivate fans, while his height and weight enhance his on-screen presence. As Chicago Fire heads into Season 14, Kinney’s future looks bright, with Severide’s story poised for new adventures. Follow his journey on NBC and Wikipedia.
