Taylor Kinney

Taylor Kinney Headshot

Actor

Birth Date: July 15, 1981

Age: 42 years old

Birth Place: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Partners: Lady Gaga

Whether he is playing an inexperienced EMT or a supernatural creature, Taylor Kinney has infused an "Old Hollywood" leading man sensibility and unabashed masculinity into each role. With his brooding good looks and undeniable sex appeal, Kinney mesmerized viewers as the mysterious werewolf come-to-town, Mason Lockwood, on The CW's hit series "The Vampire Diaries" (2009-17). While he was killed off after only a handful of episodes, such was his appeal that he made a lasting impact with viewers. He even caught the eye of one of the world's most famous women, singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, whom Kinney began dating in 2011 after co-starring in her sexy music video "You and I" (2011). The actor's career took off in 2012 when he was cast as a Navy SEAL in "Zero Dark Thirty," Katherine Bigelow's award-winning and controversial film about the hunt for Osama bin Laden. That same year, Kinney finally landed one of the lead roles on the NBC drama "Chicago Fire" (2012- ), a physically and emotionally demanding role that further showcased his immense talent and likeability, and opened doors for more high-profile and exciting projects.

Taylor Kinney was born on July 15, 1981 in Lancaster, PA. His mother, a dental hygienist, raised the future star and his three brothers in the suburban community of Neffsville. Kinney graduated in 2000 from Lancaster Mennonite High School before enrolling at West Virginia University to study business management. He left college during his junior year and moved to Hawaii, where he worked as a carpenter. He made the leap into acting and landed his first major role on the short-lived American telenovela "Fashion House" (MyNetworkTV, 2006) opposite Bo Derek and Morgan Fairchild, before he was cast as an ambitious young artist who also happens to be Derek's son. The following year, Kinney made his film acting debut in "White Air" (2007), an action-sports drama set in the world of competitive snowboarding that starred Dominique Swain and Tom Sizemore.

In 2009, Kinney was cast as one of the leads on the medical drama "Trauma" (NBC, 2009-2010) as a rookie EMT. Despite an ensemble of talented up-and-comers, the show was cancelled after one season.Kinney bounced back in a big way with a recurring role on the hit supernatural drama "The Vampire Diaries," joining the cast during season two as Mason Lockwood, a former resident of Mystic Falls who returns home after being gone for seven years to deal with his brother's death. It was later revealed that Mason was a werewolf with superhuman strength. The character was eventually killed by resident bad boy vamp, Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder), but briefly returned for the third season as a ghost out for redemption. His appearance on "The Vampire Diaries" led to a number of opportunities for the handsome and charming actor, including a guest role on the dysfunctional family series "Shameless" (Showtime, 2011- ) as a love interest for Emmy Rossum's misunderstood Fiona. In real life, Kinney was linked to pop star Lady Gaga, whom he began dating in 2011 after meeting on the set of the "You and I" music video. (The couple announced their engagement on Valentine's Day 2015.)

After several years as a supporting player, Kinney landed a starring role in 2012 on "Chicago Fire," a drama series that followed the lives of Windy City firefighters and paramedics. Kinney played Lieutenant Kelly Severide, a strong and flirtatious firefighter opposite Jesse Spencer's more reserved and commanding Lieutenant Matthew Casey. That same year, Kinney also appeared on the big screen in Kathryn Bigelow's acclaimed war drama "Zero Dark Thirty" as one of the Navy SEALS who took down Osama bin Laden.By Candy Cuenco

Credits

The Easiest Cooking Show Ever!

Actor
Show
2023

Science And The Ultimate Question

Actor
Show
2022

NRL Bite

Actor
Show
2022

The Kelly Clarkson ShowStream

Guest
Talk
2019

Today 3rd Hour

Guest
Show
2018

Blue Night

Actor
Jordan
Movie
2018

Chicago JusticeStream

Guest Star
Kelly Severide
Series
2017
73%

Celebrity PageStream

Guest
News
2016

The Forest

Actor
Aiden
Movie
2016

A Toast to 2015!

Guest
Show
2015

Chicago MedStream

Guest Star
Kelly Severide
Series
2015

Prodigal

Actor
Brad Searcy
Show
2015

The Late Late Show With James CordenStream

Guest
Talk
2015

Rock the Kasbah

Actor
Private Barnes
Movie
2015

Consumed

Actor
Eddie Taylor
Movie
2015

The Meredith Vieira Show

Guest
Talk
2014

Box office

Actor
Show
2014

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonStream

Guest
Talk
2014

Chicago P.D.Stream

Guest Star
Kelly Severide
Series
2014

The Other WomanStream

Actor
Phil
Movie
2014
26%

Chicago FireStream

Actor
Kelly Severide
Series
2012

Steve Harvey

Guest
Talk
2012

Live! With Kelly and Michael

Guest
Talk
2012

Dating Rules From My Future Self

Actor
Dave
Show
2012

Least Among Saints

Actor
Jessie
Movie
2012

Trauma

Actor
Show
2011

Five

Actor
Tommy
Movie
2011

Prodigal

Actor
Brad Searcy
Movie
2011

ShamelessStream

Guest Star
Craig Heisner
Series
2010
82%

The Talk

Guest
Talk
2010

Access Hollywood Live

Guest
Show
2010

Rizzoli & IslesStream

Guest Star
Jesse Wade
Series
2010

Scorpio Men on Prozac

Actor
May's Lover
Movie
2010

Trauma

Actor
Glenn Morris
Show
2009

The Vampire DiariesStream

Guest Star
Mason Lockwood
Series
2009
86%

CastleStream

Guest Star
Series
2009
82%

Today With Kathie Lee & Hoda

Guest
Show
2007

Fashion House

Actor
Show
2006

BonesStream

Guest Star
Jimmy Fields
Series
2005
90%

CSI: NYStream

Guest Star
Series
2004

Extra

Guest
News
1994

Today

Guest
News
1952

News aboutTaylor Kinney

Taylor Kinney, Christian Stolte, and Rome Flynn — 'Chicago Fire' Season 12

‘Chicago Fire’: 5 Characters We’re Worried Could Be Leaving 51 Next

Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett, Jesse Spencer as Matt Casey — 'Chicago Fire' Season 12 Episode 6
Spoiler Alert

How ‘Chicago Fire’ Celebrated Brettsey Wedding & Said Goodbye to Kara Killmer

Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide and TC Rose as victim — 'Chicago Fire' Season 12 Episode 3

‘Chicago Fire’: Why We’re Not Worried About Severide Leaving Again for Arson Case

Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd and Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide in 'Chicago Fire' Season 12 Episode 3
Spoiler Alert

‘Chicago Fire’: [Spoiler] Leaves Town—But for How Long? (RECAP)

Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz in 'Chicago Fire'
Spoiler Alert

Is Cruz Leaving ‘Chicago Fire’? 3 Ways to Fix Tension With Severide

Joe Minoso and Taylor Kinney in 'Chicago Fire' Season 12 Episode 2

‘Chicago Fire’ Promo: Is Cruz Leaving 51 — Because of Severide? (VIDEO)

Hanako Greensmith, David Eigenberg, Daniel Kyri, Miranda Rae Mayo, and Kara Killmer in 'Chicago Fire'
Spoiler Alert

‘Chicago Fire’: What’s Wrong With Herrmann After That Major Risk, Plus Is Mouch Alive?

Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo in 'Chicago Fire' - Season 11
Preview

Severide’s Back! ‘Chicago Fire’ Boss Talks Stellaride Issues & Promises the ‘Heat Is Still There’

Luke Mitchell as Dr. Mitch Ripley on 'Chicago Med,' Taylor Kinney as Lieutenant Kelly Severide on 'Chicago Fire,' and Tracy Spiridakos as Detective Hailey Upton on 'Chicago P.D.'
Exclusive

‘Chicago Med,’ ‘Fire’ & ‘P.D’ Trailer Teases Kidd Dragging Severide Home, New Doc & More (VIDEO)

Kara Killmer and Taylor Kinney — 'Chicago Fire'

‘Chicago Fire’ Season 12 Premiere: Severide Returns, Plus Is Brett Wearing a Ring? (PHOTOS)

Taylor Kinney on Chicago Fire

‘Chicago Fire’: Sparks Fly as Severide Returns in New Promo (VIDEO)

Taylor Kinney in 'Chicago Fire' - Season 11

‘Chicago Fire’: 5 Things We Need to See When Severide Returns in Season 12

Taylor Kinney in 'Chicago Fire' - Season 11

‘Chicago Fire’: Taylor Kinney Returning for Season 12

Miranda Rae Mayo and Joe Minoso in 'Chicago Fire' - Season 11
Spoiler Alert

‘Chicago Fire’ Gives Update on Severide — What Does Kidd Know?

Taylor Kinney in 'Chicago Fire' - Season 11
Spoiler Alert

How ‘Chicago Fire’ Wrote Out Severide for Taylor Kinney’s Leave of Absence (RECAP)

Taylor Kinney in 'Chicago Fire'
Spoiler Alert

Did ‘Chicago Fire’ Just Reveal How Severide’s Absence Will Be Explained?

Taylor Kinney in 'Chicago Fire'

‘Chicago Fire’: Taylor Kinney Reportedly Taking Leave of Absence in Season 11

Chicago Fire Season 9 Premiere Casey Tony Gallo Cruz

‘Chicago Fire’ Halts Production After Shots Fired Near Set

NCIS, Chicago Fire, Walkere

8 TV Characters in Jeopardy Going Into Fall Season

Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd in Chicago Fire
Spoiler Alert

‘Chicago Fire’ Season 10 Finale: Who’s in Danger? Who May Be Breaking Up? (RECAP)

Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett, Jesse Spencer as Casey in Chicago Fire

‘Chicago Fire’: Brett Returns to Dance With Casey — and Help Violet? (PHOTOS)

Jesse Spencer as Casey in Chicago Fire

‘Chicago Fire’: See Jesse Spencer’s Return as Casey for Stellaride’s Finale Wedding (VIDEO)

Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd in Chicago Fire - Season 10

‘Chicago Fire’ Promo: Wedding Jitters for Stellaride? (VIDEO)

Taylor Kinney as Lt. Kelly Severide, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd in Chicago Fire
Finale

‘Chicago Fire’: Will Severide & Kidd Get Married in the Season 10 Finale?

Jesse Spencer in Chicago Fire - Season 10
Preview

‘Chicago Fire’: Details on Jesse Spencer’s Return for the Stellaride Wedding

aylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd in Chicago Fire
Spoiler Alert

‘Chicago Fire’ Boss on Stellaride’s Reunion, Pelham’s Future at 51 & More

Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz in Chicago Fire
Preview

‘Chicago Fire’ Celebrates Christmas With Kidd’s Return and a Fallen Tree

Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire
Spoiler Alert

Where’s Stella in ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 10? Why Severide Is Worried

Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey in Chicago Fire
Preview

‘Chicago Fire’ Boss Calls 200th Episode ‘Emotional, Life-Changing & Tough to View’

Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey in Chicago Fire

Is Casey Leaving ‘Chicago Fire’ in Episode 200? (VIDEO)

David Eigenberg and Taylor Kinney on Chicago Fire
Premiere

‘Chicago Fire’: Taylor Kinney & David Eigenberg on ‘Really Exciting’ Season 10 (VIDEO)

Taylor Kinney as Severide scuba diving in Chicago Fire
Fall Preview

Prepare for ‘Big Changes at 51’ in ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 10

Chicago Fire Season 9 Finale 51

‘Chicago Fire’ Cliffhanger: Will Everyone Survive?

Chicago Fire Season 9 Finale Squad Cruz Severide Capp
Spoiler Alert

‘Chicago Fire’ Ends Season 9 With Major Brettsey Moments & Lives on the Line (RECAP)

Stellaride Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 15
Finale

‘Chicago Fire’ Finale’s Final Moments ‘Will Make a Lot of Viewers Angry’

Kidd Severide Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 15 Stellaride
Spoiler Alert

‘Chicago Fire’ Heats Up With a Proposal and Declaration of Love (RECAP)

Miranda Rae Mayo Taylor Kinney Chicago Fire Season 9 Kidd Severide

‘Chicago Fire’: Will There Be a Stellaride Proposal in Season 9? (POLL)

Chicago Fire - Season 9
Preview

How ‘Chicago Fire’ Puts Kidd to the Test Like Never Before

Jesse Spencer Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 6 Matt Casey
Spoiler Alert

‘Chicago Fire’: Are Casey & Brett Working Their Way (Back) Together? (RECAP)

Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo Chicago Fire - Severide and Stella - Season 8
Preview

One Chicago Stars Talk Romance, From Will’s Past & Present to a Potential ‘Fire’ Wedding

Chicago Fire PD Crossover Roman Returns

Roman Returns in the Middle of ‘Chicago Fire’s Call in ‘P.D.’ Crossover (PHOTOS)

Chicago FIre Season 8
Spoiler Alert

What Do Severide’s Heroics Mean for His Career on ‘Chicago Fire’? (RECAP)

One Chicago
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Behind the Scenes of the ‘One Chicago’ Cover Shoot With the Stars of ‘Med,’ ‘Fire,’ and ‘P.D.’ (VIDEO)

Chicago Fire - Season 6
Preview

‘One Chicago,’ From A to Z: Everything You Need to Know About ‘Med,’ ‘Fire’ & ‘P.D.’

Chicago Fire - Season 6

Who Will Return for Season 7 of ‘Chicago Fire’?

Sarah Shahi as Renee, Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide in 'Chicago Fire' Season 1
Preview

Will Lieutenant Severide & Renee Reignite on ‘Chicago Fire’? The Cast Weighs In

Sarah Shahi from the film 'Halfway There' attends the 2018 Sundance Film Festival

Sarah Shahi Returning to ‘Chicago Fire’ in Multiple Episodes

Monica Raymund as Gabriela Dawson and Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey - Chicago Fire

‘Chicago Fire’ Preview: Dawson Takes the Lead During an Intense Rescue

TV Insider

TV Guide Magazine’s Jim Halterman is On the Red Carpet with ‘Chicago Fire’

Chicago Fire, returning favorites

‘Chicago Fire’ Promises Viewers Will Not Wait Long to Know Who Perished in the Season 5 Ender

Charlotte Sullivan in Mary Kills People
Spoiler Alert

Charlotte Sullivan on Her ‘Chicago Fire’ Farewell and New Lifetime Series

Chicago Fire - Taylor Kinney
Preview

‘Chicago Fire’: Kelly Severide Gives a Dose of the L Word to Ailing Anna (VIDEO)

Taylor Kinney and Jesse Spencer
Exclusive

The Heat Is On: Why Season 5 of ‘Chicago Fire’ Is Hotter Than Ever

Jesse Spencer and Taylor Kinney

Taylor Kinney and Jesse Spencer Heat Up TV Guide Magazine’s Cover Party

Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire - Season 5

Severide’s Heroism Could Endanger a Sick Woman’s Life on ‘Chicago Fire’

first look
Preview

Severide in Deep Trouble When ‘Chicago Fire’ Returns in January

Chicago Fire - Season 5;

‘Chicago Fire’ Celebrates 100th Episode With Emotional Fall Finale

Chicago Fire - Season 5

‘Chicago Fire’: Intense Challenges for Firehouse 51 in Season 5

Dick Wolfe, Taylor Kinney, Jennifer Salke

TV Guide Magazine Cover Party Celebrates Dick Wolf, Taylor Kinney and ‘Chicago Fire’