Taylor Kinney is alive and well, actively portraying firefighter Kelly Severide on the long-running NBC drama Chicago Fire. Born on July 15, 1981, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the 44-year-old actor maintains a steady presence in the entertainment industry, both on screen and in public interest. His journey from a business management student to a household name involves a high-profile romance, a quiet marriage, and a career built on a single defining television role.
Raised in Neffsville by his mother after his parents divorced, Kinney initially studied business management at West Virginia University. He later shifted focus to modeling and acting, a move that eventually landed him on network television and in major Hollywood productions.
July 15, 1981
5’10” (1.78m)
Ashley Cruger (m. 2024)
Alive, active on Chicago Fire
- Most known for his role as Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, maintaining consistent TV presence since 2012.
- High-profile relationship with Lady Gaga ended in 2016 after a brief engagement.
- Married model Ashley Cruger in a quiet ceremony; IMDb records the date as April 30, 2024.
- Net worth estimated at $3–4 million, derived primarily from his television salary.
| Full Name | Taylor Kinney |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Millersville, Pennsylvania |
| Known For | Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire |
| Notable Film | Zero Dark Thirty |
| Height | 5ft 10in (1.78m) |
| Marital Status | Married to Ashley Cruger (2024) |
| Alive? | Yes, confirmed as of 2025 |
Taylor Kinney age and height
Kinney was born on July 15, 1981, making him 44 years old. While the overview grid lists 5’10”, multiple other sources list his height at approximately 5′11″ (1.80 m). This slight variation is common across entertainment databases.
Early life and modeling career
He grew up in Pennsylvania, attending Penn State University before switching to business management at West Virginia University. His acting career began after a successful stint in modeling, which took off in his early twenties.
Who Is Taylor Kinney’s Wife? (Personal Life and Relationship Timeline)
Taylor Kinney and Ashley Cruger
Taylor Kinney is married to Ashley Cruger, a model. According to IMDb, their marriage began on April 30, 2024. The couple has largely kept their relationship out of the public eye.
While some biographical overviews previously speculated on a 2022 wedding date, the official IMDb record lists the marriage as starting on April 30, 2024, providing a more specific timeline.
Taylor Kinney’s relationship with Lady Gaga
Kinney met Lady Gaga on the set of her music video for “Yoü and I” in 2011. The two began a relationship and became engaged in 2015. They eventually ended their engagement in 2016, but the relationship remains a significant part of his public profile. Famous Birthdays notes the engagement and split as key moments in his timeline.
What Is Taylor Kinney Doing Now? (Current Status and Recent Updates)
Currently on Chicago Fire
As of 2025, Kinney continues to play Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, which has been renewed for its 13th season. He took a brief leave of absence in 2023 but returned to the series. The Chicago Fire Fandom page tracks his consistent presence on the show throughout its run.
Recent projects and net worth
Outside of Chicago Fire, Kinney has not announced any major film projects. His net worth is estimated to be in the $3–4 million range, though no verified financial documents confirm this figure. For updates on other actors balancing TV and film, see Channing Tatum – Bio, Movies, Family & 2026 Projects.
The exact net worth of Taylor Kinney is not publicly disclosed. Estimates of $3–4 million are based on standard television acting salaries and should not be treated as confirmed financial reporting.
What Movies and TV Shows Has Taylor Kinney Been In? (Complete Filmography)
While Kinney has appeared in films like Zero Dark Thirty and worked with major artists like Lady Gaga, his enduring fame is overwhelmingly tied to the character of Kelly Severide, a role he has played since 2012.
Key TV roles
His most significant role is Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire (2012–present). He has also appeared in crossover episodes of Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. Earlier in his career, he played Mason Lockwood on The Vampire Diaries and had roles in Trauma. All American Speakers lists these as his primary television credits.
Notable film appearances
Kinney appeared in the Oscar-winning film Zero Dark Thirty (2012). He also had roles in The Other Woman (2014), Consumed, and The Forest. His full filmography is available on Rotten Tomatoes.
How Did Taylor Kinney’s Career and Personal Life Progress Over Time?
- : Born in Millersville, Pennsylvania.
- : Started modeling and acting.
- : First television roles.
- : Cast as Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire.
- : Appeared in Lady Gaga’s music video.
- : Engaged to Lady Gaga.
- : Split from Lady Gaga.
- : Married Ashley Cruger.
- : Active on Chicago Fire (Season 13).
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Taylor Kinney’s Life?
Established Information
- He is alive and actively working.
- He is married to Ashley Cruger.
- He plays Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire.
- He was previously engaged to Lady Gaga.
Information That Remains Unclear
- His exact net worth is not publicly verified.
- No future film projects have been confirmed.
- His precise height varies between sources (5’10” vs 5’11”).
Why Does Taylor Kinney Maintain Such a Strong Public Profile?
Taylor Kinney is best known for a single long-running television role, Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire. While his film work consists mainly of supporting parts, the consistency of his TV presence keeps him in the public eye.
Additionally, his engagement to Lady Gaga generates a high volume of ongoing search interest. For many actors with this profile, personal relationships often drive as much attention as their professional work. He is also frequently searched in connection with “Is Taylor Kinney dead?” due to online confusion with other celebrities; there is no factual basis for these rumors.
For a broader look at actors who balance long-running TV roles with personal life in the spotlight, see our profile on Channing Tatum – Bio, Movies, Family & 2026 Projects.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Taylor Kinney?
Information about Taylor Kinney is available across several entertainment databases and news outlets.
“American actor and model… best known for… Chicago Fire”
— Wikipedia (Taylor Kinney)
“Full filmography and biography”
— IMDb
“Married Ashley Cruger in 2022”
— E! Online
Other reliable sources include NBC’s official Chicago Fire page and Rotten Tomatoes for aggregated performance ratings.
What Is the Key Takeaway About Taylor Kinney?
Taylor Kinney remains a relevant figure in television, primarily due to his long-standing role on Chicago Fire. His personal life, particularly his past engagement to Lady Gaga and his marriage to Ashley Cruger, continues to attract significant public interest. As of 2025, he is alive, active in his career, and remains focused on his work in the One Chicago franchise. For another example of a celebrity navigating private and public life, read about Justin Theroux – Biography, Net Worth and Wife 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor Kinney
Did Taylor Kinney die?
No. He is alive and active on Chicago Fire.
How old is Taylor Kinney?
44 years old (born July 15, 1981).
How tall is Kinney?
5’10” (1.78m) or 5’11” depending on the source.
Was Taylor Kinney married to Lady Gaga?
No. They were engaged (2015–2016) but never married.
What is his net worth?
Estimated $3–4 million.
Is he on Instagram?
Yes: @taylorkinney111.
Did Taylor Kinney leave Chicago Fire?
He took a brief leave in 2023 but returned and is active in Season 13.
Oliver Bennett is Managing Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, responsible for daily editorial planning, the publishing schedule, newsroom workflow, article commissioning and final editorial preparation.