Taylor Kinney Reflects on His Journey

Taylor Kinney, best known as firefighter Kelly Severide on NBC’s Chicago Fire, has opened up about his humble beginnings, his first on-screen kiss, and the steps that led him into Hollywood. Fans know Severide as one of the most dependable and longest-standing characters at Firehouse 51, but Kinney admits that long before the show, he was just another actor trying to find his footing in the industry.

In a recent interview, Kinney shared memories of his first jobs, early auditions, and the little moments that shaped his career. His candid stories prove that even a primetime star once had to start from scratch.

From Golf Caddy to TV Star

When asked about his first job, Kinney painted a funny but relatable picture. He recalled carrying golf clubs for women who “didn’t know how to play golf.” While the work wasn’t glamorous, it gave him enough money to buy a thin-crust Pizza Hut pie and rent a Blockbuster movie on Saturday nights.

“That was the treat,” he joked. “Thanks, old ladies!”

This glimpse into his teenage years reminds fans that stars often come from simple beginnings.

His First Audition for Chicago Fire

Kinney also reflected on the early days of auditioning. His big break came when he landed the role of Kelly Severide, but at the time, he treated the audition like any other.

“I was auditioning a lot, so I was decent at it,” he explained. “I never had anxiety. I was excited, and then you leave it up to the powers that be.”

That calm confidence helped him land one of the most iconic roles in NBC’s One Chicago franchise.

The First Kiss He’ll Never Forget

Of course, no “first times” interview would be complete without a story about his first on-screen kiss. Kinney shared that the moment may never have made it to air, thanks to some behind-the-scenes chaos. While he didn’t go into detail, he teased that the footage ended up on the cutting room floor — leaving fans wishing they could see the blooper reel.

The anecdote shows Kinney’s ability to laugh at himself and reminds fans that even seasoned actors experience awkward firsts.

Season 11 Brings More Firehouse Drama

While Kinney looked back on his past, he also reminded fans that Chicago Fire Season 11 has plenty more drama ahead. Recent episodes featured Emma Jacobs being exposed by Violet Mikami, who used a voice recording to turn the tide against her. The fallout is far from over, and showrunners promise Emma could come back with nothing left to lose.

And it’s not just Chicago Fire heating up. Across the One Chicago franchise, Chicago P.D. is bringing back a huge villain, which will spill drama across storylines. Fans of the shared universe should brace themselves for shocking twists.

Why Fans Still Love Taylor Kinney

Kinney’s charm lies not only in his ability to portray a strong, dependable leader on screen but also in his willingness to stay grounded off-screen. By talking openly about carrying golf bags for pizza money and laughing about a botched first kiss, he gives fans a reminder that stardom doesn’t erase the awkward or funny moments that shape us.

As Chicago Fire pushes through its latest season, Kinney remains a cornerstone of the series. And judging by his mix of humor, humility, and passion for the role, it’s easy to see why both his colleagues and fans hold him in such high regard.