Fans of Chicago Fire and the entire One Chicago franchise will be thrilled to see that Ashley Cruger, wife of Taylor Kinney (Lieutenant Kelly Severide), is becoming an integral part of the One Chicago family. Though Taylor has captured hearts for over a decade as the heroic firefighter on Chicago Fire, Ashley has been quietly supporting him—and now she’s finding her own place among the beloved cast.
After tying the knot in a surprise wedding last year, Ashley and Taylor’s relationship has been in the public eye, with the couple often sharing moments from their lives together. But what has truly captured fans’ attention recently is Ashley’s seamless integration into the One Chicago cast’s personal lives. A recent Instagram post by Chicago P.D. star Marina Squerciati (Detective Kim Burgess) gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a fun girls’ night that featured Ashley alongside several of the franchise’s actresses. The post was filled with candid moments of laughter, shared food, and genuine friendship—a true testament to the close-knit bonds formed both on and off the set.
In Marina’s post, the group of women, including Ashley, Reem Amara (girlfriend of Chicago P.D.’s Patrick Flueger), S. Epatha Merkerson, Jessy Schram, Toya Turner, Miranda Rae Mayo, Sarah Ramos, and Jocelyn Hudon, enjoyed a night of sushi, wine, and brownies. Despite the blurry photos and lack of Instagram perfection, the post was heartfelt, emphasizing the authenticity of the evening. Marina herself captioned the photos with the words: “Great women. Great food. Great wine. Great night.”
Fans immediately took to the comments, expressing their love for seeing such a genuine gathering of actresses. “My favorite girls! I hope y’all are having fun!!” one fan commented, while another remarked, “I want to be at this party!” Fans were also drawn to how natural and relaxed the group appeared, with many calling it “beautiful” and “amazing.”
Ashley’s presence in the One Chicago family has been growing since she first entered the spotlight in 2022. Her debut on Taylor’s Instagram, where she was seen playfully giving him a stern look while he got his nails done, kicked off their public relationship. Shortly after, Ashley joined Taylor at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, making her public debut as his girlfriend. Their first major public event as a couple came at Operation Smile’s 10th Annual Park City Ski Challenge in April 2022, where they posed for photos that showcased their affection for one another.
The couple’s love story continued to unfold in front of the public eye, and by April 2023, they surprised fans with a secret wedding. Over a year later, Ashley has become a constant presence in Taylor’s life, not only as his loving wife but also as a cherished friend within the One Chicago franchise.
Ashley’s growing friendships with the stars of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med speak volumes about her character and her role within the One Chicago community. It’s clear she’s not just Taylor’s biggest supporter—she’s become a beloved figure in her own right, connecting with the cast and blending seamlessly into the family that One Chicago has become.
As Taylor Kinney continues to bring Lieutenant Severide to life on Chicago Fire, Ashley Cruger’s place in the One Chicago family seems stronger than ever. Fans can look forward to seeing more moments shared by the couple and their extended family on set. Keep an eye on Ashley, as it seems she’s only just begun to leave her mark on the One Chicago world.