For over a decade, Chicago Fire has captivated audiences with its adrenaline-packed rescues and emotionally charged drama. But it turns out, some of the hottest action happens far from the cameras. Taylor Kinney and Joe Miñoso — two of the original cast members who’ve weathered eleven blazing seasons — have just been featured in PEOPLE’s 2022 Sexiest Man Alive issue, and the real heat is in the revelations they’re finally ready to share.
Taylor Kinney, known for his smoldering portrayal of Lt. Kelly Severide, may carry a firehouse on his back — but apparently, he fuels it with a surprising guilty pleasure: Big Macs. Lots of them. According to Miñoso, who plays Joe Cruz, Kinney’s love for the classic McDonald’s sandwich is nothing short of legendary.
“I don’t know how this guy rocks this body for 10 years the way he does and downs as many Big Macs as he does,” Miñoso said with a laugh. But the McLove doesn’t stop there. Kinney has turned it into an annual birthday ritual for his co-star. “Forty-four Big Macs showed up in my trailer,” Miñoso shared, still in disbelief. “I don’t know how I’m going to stay sexy if I just keep getting Big Macs from Taylor.”
But Kinney’s response is simple: it’s about family. “We’re a surrogate family,” he explained, “and Joe’s birthday just… hits the spot for Big Macs.”
Their friendship is one of the longest-burning fires on the show, and it’s easy to see why fans are obsessed. There’s a brotherhood that transcends script lines and fire drills. It’s in the gestures, the laughter, and the behind-the-scenes support that’s lasted over a decade. And it’s not just about indulgent burgers — it’s also about the grind.
Miñoso, 44, attributes his own staying power to Zumba — yes, the high-energy dance cardio workout. “I’m a big fan of Zumba,” he said. “I love bike riding too.” That passion for movement even made its way into a memorable Chicago Fire episode in Season 3 when Cruz led a Zumba class at Firehouse 51. And while Kinney didn’t join the routine, he was seriously impressed.
“He ruled the roost, ruled the room,” Kinney said, recalling the scene. “He had everybody going. Christian Stolte — Mouch — can dance! And that’s sexy.”
Miñoso didn’t hold back either: “Jesse Spencer cannot. But also… kind of sexy.”
It’s this mix of raw authenticity, humor, and genuine affection between castmates that makes the Chicago Fire family so real. They may be battling fictional blazes, but behind the scenes, it’s laughter, loyalty, and a whole lot of cardio that keep them going.
As for what makes these guys so irresistible, the answer might be simpler than abs or uniforms. It’s the way they show up for each other — with stacks of burgers, dance moves, and unshakable friendship. And that? That’s the kind of heat no camera can fake.
So tell us — is Chicago Fire the sexiest show on TV because of the stunts… or because of the men behind the masks?
