Meet Hero Hunter, the “Witty” Young Star Playing Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo’s Foster Son on Chicago Fire
It’s been a season of heartbreak and hope for Chicago Fire’s Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). But amid tragedy, a bright new spark has arrived at Firehouse 51 — a teenager named Isaiah, played by rising young actor Hero Hunter.
And according to Mayo, the newcomer has already stolen hearts both on and off screen.
“He’s so smart, he’s witty, he cracks jokes. He belongs on a set,” Mayo told NBC Insider. “He’s a joy to be around, and I can’t wait to see all the success that he’s going to create for himself.”
From Loss to Love: The Stellaride Foster Storyline
In Chicago Fire Season 14, Stella and Severide’s journey into parenthood has been anything but smooth. After an emotional miscarriage early in the season, the couple believed their dream of raising a child together had ended. But when they learned about a teenage foster child in need of a home, everything changed.
Without hesitation, the couple opened their doors — and their hearts — to Isaiah.
“It all happened in this whirlwind way,” Mayo shared. “Stella wasn’t looking to be a foster parent, but this kid needed somewhere to go. And that’s just who Stella and Kelly are — when someone needs help, they’re there.”
Who Is Hero Hunter?
At just 14, Hero Hunter has already built an impressive résumé across television, animation, and film. Acting runs in the family — his father, Emmett Hunter, has appeared in Criminal Minds, Better Call Saul, Fear the Walking Dead: Dead in the Water, and Atlanta.
Fans may recognize the younger Hunter from his work on Lessons in Chemistry, Destination Heaven, and a five-year run on Nickelodeon’s Young Dylan. He’s also lent his voice to animated hits like Marvel’s Spidey and Iron Man: Avengers Team Up!, Iron Man and His Awesome Friends, and The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball.
With quick wit, natural charisma, and remarkable emotional depth, Hunter has made Isaiah’s storyline one of the most compelling parts of Chicago Fire’s current season.
Behind the Scenes: Building the Stellaride Family
On set, Miranda Rae Mayo and Taylor Kinney have embraced their new dynamic with enthusiasm and warmth. Hunter’s chemistry with both actors has made their foster family feel effortlessly real — from video game sessions with Severide to heart-to-hearts with Stella that showcase Isaiah’s quiet resilience.
Mayo admitted that Stella is still processing her grief while trying to be a steady presence for Isaiah.
“I think there’s some disassociation,” she revealed. “We haven’t fully seen her process the loss of the baby. She jumped straight into fostering, and in upcoming episodes, we’ll see how that really affects her.”
What’s Next for Isaiah and the Stellaride Family
As Season 14 continues, Chicago Fire will dive deeper into how Stella and Severide balance firefighting with family life — and how Isaiah’s presence helps them heal.
In episode 1404, “Mercy,” the trio faces another emotional test when tragedy strikes close to home. Through it all, Hero Hunter’s grounded performance continues to win praise from castmates and fans alike.
With a name like “Hero,” it’s fitting that this young actor has become a bright light in Chicago Fire’s most heartfelt storyline of the year.