For over a decade, Chicago Fire has delivered heart-pounding rescues, fiery explosions, and deeply human stories of sacrifice and love. But one relationship has burned brighter than most — the unbreakable connection between Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo).

Now, in a rare and emotional new interview, Taylor Kinney has opened up about that bond — both on and off screen — calling Miranda “family,” and sending fans into a frenzy of speculation and affection.

It’s not often Kinney speaks publicly about his co-stars, but when he does, Chicago Fire fans listen.

“We’ve Become Pretty Tight Knit” — Taylor’s Unexpected Confession

In a behind-the-scenes video shared by NBC ahead of the show’s Season 14 return, Kinney appeared alongside several of his Chicago Fire castmates to celebrate Miranda Rae Mayo — the woman who has portrayed his on-screen partner for nearly ten years.

With a warm smile, Taylor said simply:

“We’ve become pretty tight knit over the years — like a surrogate family of sorts.”

It was a rare glimpse behind the curtain of one of TV’s most beloved duos. Fans immediately flooded social media with emotional comments: “They’re not just Stellaride — they’re real family!”

For longtime viewers, the statement hit especially hard. Taylor Kinney has been part of Chicago Fire since its 2012 debut, and over the years, his character Severide has gone from the charming rebel of Firehouse 51 to a loyal husband and leader. The transformation wouldn’t have been possible, many fans believe, without Miranda Rae Mayo by his side.

---

The Rise of ‘Stellaride’: A Love Story Forged in Flames

When Stella Kidd first joined Chicago Fire in Season 4, she was fierce, fearless, and impossible to ignore. Her chemistry with Severide was instant — a slow burn that evolved from banter and friendship into one of the show’s deepest romances.

By Season 10, fans got the wedding they’d waited years for in the emotional finale, “The Magnificent City of Chicago.” Surrounded by their firehouse family, Severide and Kidd became husband and wife — sealing the kind of partnership that defines One Chicago’s beating heart.

But the connection between the actors portraying them — Taylor and Miranda — seems just as real.

“She’s 100% herself all the time,” co-star Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz) said in the NBC video. “That energy, that effervescence — that’s what Miranda brings to Kidd. She’s powerful, grounded, and warm.”

Daniel Kyri (Ritter) agreed: “It’s great to see this badass female character who’s such a boss. That really mirrors who Miranda is in real life.”

---

Mutual Respect Behind the Scenes

Miranda Rae Mayo herself has often spoken about her admiration for Taylor Kinney — not just as a scene partner, but as a creative collaborator.

In a previous interview, she laughed, saying,