Taylor Kinney

Taylor Kinney
Behind The Velvet Rope TV · CC BY 3.0 · source
Name	Taylor Kinney
Birth date	15 July 1981
Birth place	* Cleveland * Ohio
Occupation	Actor, Model
Years active	2004–present

Taylor Kinney

Taylor Kinney (born July 15, 1981) is an American actor and model known for roles on television series and in feature films. He has appeared in Chicago Fire, The Vampire Diaries, and films alongside casts from Marvel Cinematic Universe-adjacent productions and independent cinema. Kinney's career spans stage, television, and commercial modeling, with credits connecting him to major networks and studios including NBC, The CW, and Universal Pictures.

Early life and education

Kinney was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in the suburb of Westlake before his family moved to Murrysville. He attended Gateway High School and later studied at local programs in Pittsburgh area arts before relocating to pursue acting in Los Angeles, engaging with workshops tied to institutions like Actors Studio and regional theaters in New York City and Chicago.

Acting career

Kinney's early screen work included guest roles on series connected to networks such as NBC, CBS, and The CW, appearing alongside actors from series like Law & Order, CSI, and ER. He gained broader attention with a recurring role on Trauma and later as a series regular on Trauma Center-adjacent dramas. Kinney is best known for portraying Lieutenant Kelly Severide on the NBC drama Chicago Fire, produced by Dick Wolf's production team and part of the Chicago franchise that includes Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. His performance on Chicago Fire linked him with co-stars from Law & Order: SVU veterans and recurring guest actors from The West Wing and NCIS-related casts.

Prior to Chicago Fire, Kinney appeared as Mason Lockwood on the supernatural series The Vampire Diaries on The CW, a show developed by creators associated with L. J. Smith adaptations and executive producers from The CW's slate including those behind Gossip Girl and Supernatural. He has guest-starred in episodes alongside performers from Smallville, One Tree Hill, and Dawson's Creek. Kinney's film credits include roles in productions distributed by companies such as Universal Pictures, Lionsgate, and independent labels, sharing screens with actors from The Hunger Games, Transformers, and The Dark Knight ensembles.

Modeling and other work

Kinney modeled for campaigns with brands tied to global fashion houses and photography directors who have worked with celebrities from GQ, Men's Health, and Vogue. He has appeared in music videos collaborating with recording artists affiliated with labels like Interscope Records, Warner Records, and Republic Records, and worked with directors known for videos for stars such as Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Beyoncé. Kinney's commercial work includes spots aired during programming blocks on NBCUniversal and promotions connected to Super Bowl-adjacent marketing campaigns.

Personal life

Kinney's relationships and personal milestones have been covered by entertainment outlets alongside contemporaries from Hollywood, including co-stars from Chicago Fire and actors who have worked within the CW Network ecosystem. He has participated in charity events with organizations tied to first responders, fundraisers associated with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and benefit galas featuring performers from Broadway and film festivals such as Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival.

Filmography

Film - Feature roles with distributors such as Universal Pictures, Lionsgate, and independent companies screened at Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival.

Television - Series regular on Chicago Fire; recurring roles on The Vampire Diaries; guest appearances on series aired by NBC, CBS, and The CW.

Music videos - Appearances in videos for recording artists who have released work through Interscope Records, Warner Records, and Republic Records.

Category:1981 births Category:Living people Category:American male film actors Category:American male television actors Category:Male models from the United States