Chicago Fire Star Taylor Kinney and Wife Ashley Cruger Welcome Their First Child
Chicago Fire fans are celebrating heartwarming news off-screen — series star Taylor Kinney and his wife Ashley Cruger have officially welcomed their first child together. The couple, who tied the knot in April 2024, have now taken the next big step in their relationship, adding a new member to the Firehouse 51 family.
A Love Story Born in Chicago
Taylor Kinney, who has played Lieutenant Kelly Severide since Chicago Fire premiered in 2012, met model and creative professional Ashley Cruger in early 2022. Their relationship became public that March when Kinney shared a photo of the two on Instagram.
A month later, the couple made their red-carpet debut at a charity gala in Chicago, where fans immediately took to their chemistry. In a fun twist, Ashley even appeared as an extra in an episode of Chicago Fire’s 11th season later that year — a sweet nod to their connection both on and off set.
After two years together, the pair exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony on April 30, 2024, surrounded by close family and friends.
Parenthood Begins for Taylor and Ashley
Though the couple has kept details of Ashley’s pregnancy private, insiders confirmed the happy news that the two recently welcomed their first child. Both mom and baby are said to be doing well, with Kinney “over the moon” about becoming a father.
A source close to the actor shared that fatherhood “has completely softened Taylor,” adding that he’s been “counting down the days” since finding out he was going to be a dad.
Fans have already taken to social media to congratulate the couple, celebrating this new milestone for one of Chicago Fire’s most beloved stars.
Kinney’s Personal and Professional Balance
The past few years have been transformative for Kinney. After taking a temporary hiatus from Chicago Fire in 2023, the actor returned to the hit NBC drama for Season 12, reprising his role as the loyal yet complex firefighter Kelly Severide.
Off-screen, his focus has clearly shifted toward family and stability. Those close to him say that Ashley has been a grounding influence — someone who brings out his calm, private side away from the spotlight.
The Firehouse 51 Family of Love Stories
Kinney isn’t the only Chicago Fire star with a heartwarming love life. His co-stars — including Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz), David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann), and Jesse Spencer (Matthew Casey) — all share similar stories of long-term relationships that began either on set or through the show’s Chicago community.
It seems Firehouse 51 doesn’t just ignite flames on screen — it sparks real-life love stories too.
What’s Next for Taylor Kinney
While Kinney continues to film new episodes of Chicago Fire, it’s expected that he’ll take some time off from the limelight to enjoy early fatherhood. Fans can rest assured, though — both Severide and Kinney are here to stay.
Congratulations to Taylor and Ashley on the arrival of their baby — a beautiful new chapter for one of TV’s most iconic firefighters.