Chicago Fire blazes through its 13th season on NBC, airing Wednesdays at 9pm ET, with Firehouse 51’s firefighters battling flames and forbidden romances. But when the cameras stop rolling, the cast’s real-life love stories are just as captivating, filled with whirlwind engagements, quiet weddings, and surprising connections. From Taylor Kinney’s private vows to Joe Minoso’s set-sparked love, here’s a peek into the hearts of Chicago Fire’s stars, per People and The List.
Taylor Kinney, the rugged Kelly Severide, married model Ashley Cruger in April 2024 in a low-key Chicago ceremony, per Swooon. After hard-launching their romance on Instagram in 2022, Cruger made a season 11 cameo, fueling fan buzz on X: “Stellaride’s hot, but Taylor and Ashley are goals!” Previously engaged to Lady Gaga (2011-2016), Kinney’s found calm with Cruger, keeping their life private, per Us Weekly. Jesse Spencer, who played Matt Casey until 2021, wed researcher Kali Woodruff Carr in 2020. Their private Florida nuptials came after Spencer dated singer Louise Griffiths and surfer Maya Gabeira, per Yahoo. “She’s my port in every storm,” Spencer told The Daily Telegraph, citing family as his reason for leaving the show. Fans on X swoon: “Brettsey’s epic, but Jesse’s real-life love is so wholesome!”
Joe Minoso, Firehouse 51’s Joe Cruz, found love on set with makeup artist Caitlin Murphy Miles. They met in 2013, married in 2016, and their wedding saw co-star Christian Stolte officiate, per First for Women. “Caitlin’s my rock,” Minoso shared on The Jam TV Show, sparking X chatter: “Joe’s IRL romance is sweeter than Cruz and Chloe!” David Eigenberg, the beloved Christopher Herrmann, has been with ex-army specialist Chrysti Kotik since 2002, raising two kids. “It hit me at the core,” Eigenberg said of meeting her post-9/11, per First for Women. Their 23-year marriage mirrors Herrmann’s stable bond with Cindy, with fans tweeting, “David and Chrysti are Firehouse 51’s real MVP couple!”
Kara Killmer, who played Sylvie Brett until 2024, married actor Andrew Cheney in 2016 after meeting on Beyond the Mask. Their quiet romance contrasts Sylvie’s turbulent love life, per Us Weekly. Miranda Rae Mayo, the fierce Stella Kidd, keeps her status under wraps, with no confirmed partners, per Swooon. Fans speculate on X: “Is Miranda single? Stella’s too iconic to share!” Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) is with Dominique Domingo, their steady bond a contrast to his on-screen fling with Violet, per Swooon. These real-life stories, from set-born sparks to enduring marriages, echo Chicago Fire’s themes of loyalty and resilience. Catch the drama on NBC or Peacock, and follow @chicagofire on X for more.