Taylor Kinney has returned to television screens as Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire Season 15, bringing renewed attention to his life away from the NBC drama. While his character continues to navigate marriage and demanding firefighting responsibilities, Kinney has also built a happy relationship off-screen. The actor married model Ashley Cruger in a private Chicago ceremony in April 2024, and the couple have largely kept their marriage away from public attention.
Kinney, who previously made headlines for his engagement to Lady Gaga, began dating Cruger in 2022. Their relationship developed quietly before they appeared together at public events and eventually married. Unlike the actor’s earlier high-profile romance, his marriage to Cruger has remained relatively private.
Who Is Taylor Kinney’s Wife Ashley Cruger?
Taylor Kinney’s wife, Ashley Cruger, is an American model and former marketing professional. She studied journalism at the University of Iowa and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2017.
Before becoming publicly known through her relationship with Kinney, Cruger worked in sales and marketing. She was also associated with BMG Models, a Chicago-based modeling agency.
Although she has attended several entertainment events with her husband, Cruger does not regularly discuss her personal life in interviews. She has also kept her social media accounts relatively private.
Her connection to Chicago Fire extends beyond her marriage. She made a brief appearance in the show’s eleventh season, giving fans an unexpected opportunity to see the couple connected through Kinney’s television career.
How Did Taylor Kinney and Ashley Cruger Meet?
Taylor Kinney and Ashley Cruger began dating in 2022, although they have not publicly explained exactly how they first met.
Their relationship became known in March 2022 when Kinney shared a photograph of Cruger on Instagram.
The following month, they attended Operation Smile’s annual Park City Ski Challenge in Utah. Their affectionate appearance at the charity event confirmed that they were romantically involved.
In June 2022, the couple attended the Monte Carlo Television Festival in Monaco, marking another important public appearance together.
Despite the growing attention, Kinney and Cruger avoided sharing extensive details about their romance. Their relationship developed largely outside the celebrity spotlight.
When Did Taylor Kinney Marry Ashley Cruger?
Taylor Kinney and Ashley Cruger married on April 30, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.
Their wedding was a small, private ceremony attended by a limited group of people. The couple chose not to organize a major Hollywood celebration or publicly share extensive wedding details.
The marriage was confirmed in May 2024, when Cruger shared a photograph of herself and Kinney on Instagram Stories with a caption identifying them as Mr. and Mrs. Kinney.
Their wedding took place after Kinney completed filming the twelfth season of Chicago Fire.
It was the actor’s first marriage, despite his previous engagement to Lady Gaga.
As of November 2026, Kinney and Cruger have been married for more than two years. There has been no verified public announcement suggesting that they have separated.
Was Taylor Kinney Previously Married to Lady Gaga?
Taylor Kinney was never married to Lady Gaga, although they were engaged for approximately a year before ending their relationship.
The actor met Gaga in 2011 while filming the music video for her song “Yoü and I.” Kinney appeared as her romantic interest in the video, and their on-screen chemistry eventually developed into a real-life relationship.
They dated for nearly four years before Kinney proposed on Valentine’s Day in February 2015.
Their engagement attracted considerable media attention, with Gaga frequently discussing her affection for the actor.
However, the couple announced their separation in July 2016. Gaga explained that their demanding professional schedules and long-distance relationship had contributed to their difficulties.
Despite the breakup, both continued pursuing successful careers. Gaga expanded her work in music and film, while Kinney remained a central cast member of Chicago Fire.
Cruger became Kinney’s first publicly confirmed serious romantic partner following his separation from Gaga.
Does Taylor Kinney Have Children With Ashley Cruger?
Taylor Kinney and Ashley Cruger have not publicly announced that they have children together.
The couple have generally avoided discussing their family plans, and there is no verified information confirming whether they intend to become parents.
Kinney has occasionally shared glimpses of his personal interests, including spending time outdoors and enjoying activities away from filming.
His relatively private lifestyle contrasts with the attention surrounding his character Kelly Severide, whose marriage to Stella Kidd is an important storyline in Chicago Fire.
Stella is portrayed by actress Miranda Rae Mayo, who is Kinney’s on-screen wife rather than his real-life partner.
What Is Taylor Kinney Doing Now?
Taylor Kinney continues to portray Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire, which returned for its fifteenth season in October 2026.
The 45-year-old actor has been associated with the NBC drama since its premiere in 2012. His portrayal of Severide has made him one of the most recognizable performers in the One Chicago television franchise.
Away from the show, Kinney maintains a quieter personal life with Ashley Cruger.
The couple occasionally share photographs or attend events together, but they have not turned their marriage into a regular subject of entertainment interviews.
For Taylor Kinney, marriage to Ashley Cruger represents a more private chapter following years of public attention surrounding his relationship with Lady Gaga. Their romance began in 2022, developed through shared appearances, and led to their intimate Chicago wedding in 2024.
As Kinney continues his long-running television career, Ashley Cruger remains an important part of his life away from the cameras.