TAYLOR KINNEY

Name & Personal Details

Taylor Jackson Kinney was born on July 15, 1981, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He is currently 43 years old and holds dual careers as an actor and model .

Family & Early Years

Raised in the Neffsville area by his single mother, Pamela Heisler (a dental hygienist), and alongside his three brothers, Taylor grew up in a close-knit household . From a young age, Pennsylvanian community life shaped his grounded values.

Education

Taylor graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in 2000, then pursued Business Management at West Virginia University. He later left college to follow his passion for performing—jumping into modeling and acting opportunities .

Television Breakthrough

Taylor’s on-screen journey began in 2006 as Luke Gianni on Fashion House. He landed recurring parts on NBC’s Trauma (Glenn Morrison) and CW’s The Vampire Diaries (Mason Lockwood), where his charismatic presence caught the eye of many viewers .

Iconic Role in Chicago Fire

In 2012, Taylor earned his signature role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide on NBC’s Chicago Fire, becoming a cornerstone of the One Chicago universe, with crossover appearances on Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med . With over 230 episodes, he won a People’s Choice Award in 2016 for Favorite Dramatic TV Actor .

Film Appearances

Beyond television, Taylor has graced the big screen in roles such as Jared in Zero Dark Thirty (2012), Phil in The Other Woman (2014), Aiden in The Forest (2016), and parts in Consumed and Rock the Kasbah .

Music Video & Modeling

Taylor gained further recognition starring in Lady Gaga’s “You and I” music video (2011), which also sparked a high-profile relationship. Before acting, he modeled extensively, laying a solid foundation for his on-screen roles .

Personal Relationships & Milestones

Taylor began dating Lady Gaga after their video shoot meeting in 2011; they were engaged in February 2015 but amicably split in July 2016 .
In 2022, he started a relationship with model Ashley Cruger, and the couple married on April 30, 2024, in a private ceremony in Chicago .

Recent Developments

Taylor took a personal leave during Chicago Fire Season 11 and made a heartfelt return in Season 12 in early 2024 . He remains active in the One Chicago universe, balancing intense character work with real-life narrative arcs.

Legacy & Professional Approach

Taylor Kinney has built a versatile career—from modeling and dramatic films to defining television roles. Known for his dedication to authentic character portrayal and off-screen humility, he brings sincerity to every role. As he continues to evolve across TV, film, and personal life, Kinney reflects the strength, warmth, and depth that fans appreciate both on and off camera.

Taylor Kinney’s story—from Lancaster roots to beloved firefighter—tells of hard work, emotional depth, and steady growth. At 43, he remains firmly anchored by family, relationship milestones, and a dedication to his craft.