The $24,000 Question: Taylor Kinney's Chicago Fire Contract, Season 13 Return, And Shock 2024 Marriage

The burning question surrounding Lieutenant Kelly Severide’s future on *Chicago Fire* has finally been answered, with the latest updates confirming that Taylor Kinney is firmly back in the fold for the show's upcoming run. As of late 2024, the actor’s status, which was previously shrouded in mystery following his sudden personal leave of absence, is now secure, with Kinney having returned for Season 12 and confirmed to reprise his fan-favorite role in Season 13, ensuring the Severide and Stella Kidd storyline continues to be a central pillar of Firehouse 51. The speculation over Taylor Kinney’s contract status and long-term commitment to the *One Chicago* franchise reached a fever pitch after his mid-Season 11 departure. However, the actor’s return for Season 12, which premiered in January 2024, and subsequent confirmation for the 2024-2025 season have put the most persistent rumors to rest, suggesting a new, quiet contract agreement is in place to keep the veteran star on the NBC hit. This stability is a huge relief for fans, especially given the significant changes and cast exits that have recently impacted the long-running Dick Wolf universe.

Taylor Kinney: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Taylor Jackson Kinney is an American actor and model best known for his long-standing role as Lieutenant Kelly Severide on the NBC drama *Chicago Fire*. His career spans film and television, establishing him as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

• Full Name: Taylor Jackson Kinney
• Date of Birth: July 15, 1981
• Age: 43 (as of late 2024)
• Place of Birth: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Model
• Notable Roles: Lieutenant Kelly Severide (*Chicago Fire*), Jared (*Zero Dark Thirty*), Phil (*The Other Woman*), Glenn Morrison (*The Vampire Diaries*).
• Net Worth: Estimated at $8 million.
• Spouse: Ashley Cruger (m. 2024)
• Education: Studied Business Management at West Virginia University.
• Relationship History: Famously dated and was engaged to pop superstar Lady Gaga from 2011 to 2016.

Unpacking the Chicago Fire Contract and Estimated Salary

While the precise, official details of Taylor Kinney’s current contract for *Chicago Fire* Season 13 remain confidential—a standard practice for high-profile network stars—industry estimates provide a clear picture of his value to the show. The nature of his temporary leave and subsequent return strongly suggests a renegotiated deal that factored in his personal needs while securing his critical role in the *One Chicago* universe.

The $24,000 Per Episode Estimate

Taylor Kinney’s long tenure as one of the show’s original lead actors places him in the upper salary tier of the *Chicago Fire* cast. Industry reports and estimates suggest Kinney earns approximately $24,000 per episode of *Chicago Fire*. This figure, while unofficial, reflects the star-power and seniority he holds as one of the few remaining original cast members alongside actors like David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann). Given that a typical season of *Chicago Fire* contains around 22 episodes (though recent seasons have been shorter), his annual earnings from the show alone are substantial, contributing significantly to his estimated $8 million net worth.

The Dick Wolf Factor and Franchise Security

Kinney’s contract is ultimately tied to the massive financial engine of the Dick Wolf production empire. In 2020, franchise creator Dick Wolf signed a colossal five-year, nine-figure deal with NBCUniversal-owned Universal Television, a deal estimated to be worth as much as $1 billion. This massive deal secured the future of the entire *One Chicago* lineup—*Chicago Fire*, *Chicago P.D.*, and *Chicago Med*—for multiple seasons, providing a secure financial backbone for the show and its main actors. Kinney's confirmed return for Season 13 (2024-2025) falls within the window of this major deal, indicating that securing his presence was a high priority for both Wolf Entertainment and NBC.

Severide’s Return: Contract Stability and Season 13 Storyline

The biggest news for fans is not the contract value, but the fact that the contract is active. Taylor Kinney is confirmed to be a main cast member for *Chicago Fire* Season 13, which is scheduled to air in the 2024-2025 television season. His return in Season 12 addressed his earlier absence—which was explained in the storyline as Severide leaving to attend a prestigious Office of Fire Investigation (OFI) training program in Alabama. This storyline created tension with his wife, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), who felt Severide was prioritizing his passion for arson investigation over their marriage.

Severide and Stella Kidd: The Future of "Severide"

The stability of Kinney’s contract is paramount to the emotional core of the series, which heavily relies on the "Severide" relationship. The Season 12 storyline focused on mending the fractured trust between the two, with Severide recommitting to Firehouse 51 and his role as Lieutenant. Looking ahead to Season 13, the narrative is set to explore a new chapter for the couple, with fan speculation and early storyline hints suggesting that Severide and Kidd may be looking to start a family. This development would be a major shift for the character, anchoring him even more firmly to the show and Chicago.

The Importance of a Veteran Actor

Kinney’s presence is not just about the storyline; it's about the ensemble’s stability. His unexpected leave highlighted his irreplaceable status as a foundational member of the *Chicago Fire* team. His return has been celebrated by the cast, including his co-stars like Miranda Rae Mayo and Eamonn Walker (Chief Wallace Boden), signaling a renewed sense of confidence behind the scenes. The contract renewal, therefore, is a strategic move by NBC and Dick Wolf to maintain the show’s high ratings and continuity as it heads into its second decade.

2024 Personal Life Update: Taylor Kinney Marries Ashley Cruger

In a major personal update that occurred during his time away and return to the show, Taylor Kinney quietly tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend, model Ashley Cruger. This news is a significant development in his life, offering a fresh perspective on the actor's current stability. The couple married in a small, private ceremony in Chicago in April/May 2024, confirming their long-term commitment after dating since 2022. This event marks a new chapter for Kinney, following his high-profile engagement to Lady Gaga, which ended in 2016. His private marriage to Ashley Cruger demonstrates a focus on personal life and stability, which may also contribute to his renewed commitment to his professional life on *Chicago Fire*. The fact that the ceremony took place in Chicago further solidifies his connection to the city that serves as the backdrop for the *One Chicago* franchise.