Taylor Kinney

When it comes to television dramas about first responders, Chicago Fire is one of the most popular and long-lasting ones. Among all the characters of the show, Taylor Kinney manages to stand out as Lieutenant Kelly Severide, a fearless firefighter with a complicated personal life. But who is Taylor Kinney outside the show? Here’s a closer look at the actor’s life and career.

Taylor Kinney was born on July 15, 1981, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a big family with seven siblings, and his father was a banker. He attended West Virginia University, where he played football before switching his major to business management. After graduation, he moved to Hawaii to work in construction before deciding to pursue his true passion: acting.

Kinney started his acting career in the mid-2000s with small roles in TV shows such as What About Brian and Bones. However, his big break came in 2010 when he landed the role of Mason Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries, a popular supernatural drama about teenage vampires and werewolves. Kinney’s character was a werewolf who becomes a hybrid and eventually dies in the show’s third season. Nevertheless, the actor’s performance caught the attention of casting agents, and he started getting more significant roles.

In 2012, Kinney landed the part that would define his career: Lieutenant Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire. The show premiered on NBC in October 2012 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its exciting and emotional storytelling. Kinney’s character was one of the show’s main protagonists, a skilled firefighter with a troubled past who sometimes let his emotions get the best of him. However, as the show progressed, Severide matured and became a reliable leader for his colleagues in the Chicago Fire Department. Kinney’s performance in the show earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, and he became one of the most recognizable faces on television.

Besides Chicago Fire, Kinney has also starred in other TV shows and movies. In 2014, he appeared in NBC’s mini-series adaptation of Rosemary’s Baby, a horror novel by Ira Levin. In the same year, he starred in The Other Woman, a comedy film about a woman who seeks revenge on her cheating husband. Kinney played the husband’s younger brother, who becomes romantically involved with one of the women seeking revenge. Other notable roles for Kinney include Zero Dark Thirty (2012), a drama about the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and The Forest (2016), a horror film set in Japan.

But it’s not just Kinney’s acting skills that have made him popular among fans. The actor’s good looks and charming personality have also earned him a spot in the hearts of many. Kinney is known for his tall and muscular physique, piercing blue eyes, and rugged yet approachable demeanor. He has also shown support for various charitable causes, such as the non-profit organization Little Kids Rock, which provides free music education to underprivileged children.

As for Kinney’s personal life, he was in a long-term relationship with pop superstar Lady Gaga from 2011 to 2016. The couple met on the set of Gaga’s music video for “You and I,” in which Kinney played her love interest. The two got engaged on Valentine’s Day 2015 but broke up a year later due to their busy schedules and conflicting priorities. However, Kinney and Gaga have remained on good terms and have even been spotted hanging out together since their split.

In conclusion, Taylor Kinney is more than just a pretty face on television. He has proven his acting chops in various roles, but his performance as Lieutenant Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire is what has made him a household name. Kinney’s natural charisma and dedication to his craft have earned him a place in the hearts of fans worldwide, and his future in show business looks bright. Whether he continues to play tough guys or explores different genres, Taylor Kinney is sure to make an impact in the entertainment industry.