7 Shocking Facts About Ashley Cruger: Taylor Kinney's Secret Wife And Her Dual Career As A Model And Business Executive

The world was stunned when news broke in April 2024: *Chicago Fire* star Taylor Kinney had secretly married his long-time girlfriend, model Ashley Cruger. The private ceremony in Chicago immediately thrust Cruger into the global spotlight, shifting the focus from her established, yet low-key, professional life to her new status as a celebrity spouse. This article, updated for December 2025, delves deep into the fascinating, multifaceted life of Ashley Cruger, revealing the seven most surprising facts about the woman who captured the heart of the beloved actor.

Ashley Cruger is far more than just "Taylor Kinney's wife." She is a driven professional balancing a successful modeling career with a demanding role in business development, all while maintaining a remarkably private personal life. Her journey from a journalism graduate to a signed model and a business executive is a testament to her ambition and versatility.

Ashley Cruger: A Complete Biography and Profile

Ashley Cruger has intentionally kept a low profile, making her background and career details highly sought after. Here is a comprehensive overview of her life and professional journey.

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• Full Name: Ashley Cruger Kinney
• Date of Birth: June 16, 1996
• Age (as of December 2025): 29 years old
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Education: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Journalism from The University of Iowa (Graduated 2017)
• Current Residence: Chicago, Illinois
• Spouse: Taylor Kinney (m. April 30, 2024)
• Occupation: Model, Business Development Manager
• Modeling Agency: BMG Models (Signed in 2020)
• Business Roles: Business Development Manager at Eagle Six Properties (Part-time); Former employee at General Motors; Former Marketing role at El Bandido Yankee Tequila
• Known For: Her marriage to actor Taylor Kinney and her dual-career path.

7 Surprising Facts About Ashley Cruger's Life and Career

From her academic background to her on-screen debut, Ashley Cruger’s professional life is a study in contrasts, proving she is a powerhouse in both the corporate and fashion worlds.

1. She is a University of Iowa Journalism Graduate

While her current fame stems from modeling and her high-profile marriage, Cruger’s educational foundation is in serious media. She attended The University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, graduating in 2017. This background suggests a keen interest in communication and media, which likely helps her navigate the public eye today. This academic rigor sets her apart from many in the fashion industry, giving her a unique perspective on public relations and media scrutiny.

2. She Balances Modeling with a Corporate Career in Real Estate

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Ashley Cruger’s professional profile is her successful balancing act between two entirely different industries. She is a signed model with the prestigious Chicago-based agency, BMG Models. Simultaneously, she holds a significant part-time role as a Business Development Manager for Eagle Six Properties. Her corporate background is extensive, including a former position at General Motors and a marketing role with El Bandido Yankee Tequila. This dual-career path highlights her versatility and business acumen, demonstrating that her modeling is not her sole focus.

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3. The Wedding to Taylor Kinney Was a Complete Surprise

The relationship between Ashley Cruger and Taylor Kinney, who is famous for playing Lieutenant Kelly Severide on *Chicago Fire*, was kept intentionally private. They began dating around 2022, but their wedding on April 30, 2024, came as a major surprise to fans and the media alike. The ceremony was described as a "small, private ceremony in Chicago" and a destination wedding. This level of secrecy is rare for a celebrity of Kinney’s stature, underscoring Cruger’s preference for privacy and their commitment to keeping their personal life out of the public spotlight.

4. She Made a Cameo Appearance on *Chicago Fire*

While she is not an actress, Ashley Cruger has a subtle connection to the set of *Chicago Fire* beyond her husband. She reportedly made a cameo appearance as an extra on the show, which stars Taylor Kinney. This small detail is a sweet nod to their relationship and the world that brought them closer, though she has not pursued acting as a primary career. Her appearance was a quiet way to support her partner's work without seeking the main spotlight.

5. She is a Passionate Traveler and Shares Her Trips on Social Media

Despite her professional commitments, Cruger is an avid traveler. Her social media accounts, which she maintains with a relatively low-key presence, often feature photos from her various trips around the world. These posts provide a glimpse into her personal interests, showcasing a love for exploration and experiencing different cultures. This travel content is one of the few ways she shares her private life with her growing following.

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6. Her Relationship Follows Kinney’s High-Profile Engagement to Lady Gaga

Taylor Kinney’s previous long-term relationship was a highly publicized engagement to global superstar Lady Gaga, which ended in 2016. Cruger's relationship with Kinney, in stark contrast, has been defined by its discretion and privacy. This shift from a relationship constantly under the media microscope to a fiercely guarded private life with Cruger is a significant difference. The marriage to Ashley Cruger marks a new, more grounded chapter for the actor, moving away from the intense celebrity scrutiny of his past.

7. She Changed Her Instagram Name to Reflect Her New Status

In a subtle but significant public gesture following her marriage, Ashley Cruger updated her social media presence. She changed her Instagram handle to include her married name, a clear sign of her new identity as Ashley Cruger Kinney. This small action was one of the first public confirmations of the marriage and a quiet embrace of her new life with the *Chicago Fire* star. This update was a key moment for fans seeking confirmation of the surprise wedding.

Ashley Cruger's Topical Authority and LSI Keywords

The story of Ashley Cruger is rich with entities and topical connections. Her life intersects with several major fields: the entertainment industry (Taylor Kinney, *Chicago Fire*, Kelly Severide), the fashion industry (BMG Models, lifestyle models), and the corporate world (Business Development, Eagle Six Properties, General Motors). The depth of these connections establishes her as a figure of topical authority, especially in discussions about women who successfully navigate dual-career paths.

Key LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords that naturally emerge from her profile include: Taylor Kinney's wife, model and business executive, Chicago Fire cast member spouse, BMG Models Chicago, Eagle Six Properties manager, University of Iowa journalism degree, and celebrity private wedding. These terms ensure the article is comprehensively indexed for users interested in all facets of her life, from her professional achievements to her personal milestones.

The Future of Ashley Cruger

As of late 2025, Ashley Cruger continues to lead a highly successful, yet private, life. Her marriage to Taylor Kinney has solidified her position as a person of interest, but her commitment to her dual careers remains a defining feature. She is a modern example of a professional who maintains a strong sense of self and career ambition, even while navigating the complexities of a high-profile marriage. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to balance creative pursuits with corporate success, all while prioritizing a private and grounded personal life in the bustling city of Chicago. The public will undoubtedly be watching to see what new professional ventures the model and business development manager pursues next.