Chicago Fire Star Taylor Kinney Got His Acting Start On A Steamy Primetime Soap

Before donning the fireman's uniform for Chicago Fire, Taylor Kinney was a leading man in the soap opera, MyNetworkTV's Fashion House. Premiering in 2006, the primetime soap focused on the Gianni fashion dynasty and the forbidden romance between Luke Gianni, played by Kinney, and Michelle, an emerging designer played by Natalie Martinez.

Luke, the son of fashion tycoon Maria Gianni (played by Bo Derek), grapples with immense pressure to uphold the family name. His mother opposes his burgeoning relationship with Michelle, who works for the Gianni firm and is already married. As the story unfolds, Luke must choose between his mother and the woman he loves. Fashion House also delves into the long-standing rivalry between Maria and Sophia Blakely (Morgan Fairchild), whose affair with Sophia's husband, Charles Blakely, ultimately led to his suicide after she rejected his marriage proposal.

The soap opera, known for its elaborate twists, including mobsters, revenge schemes, and illicit affairs, consisted of a single season but provided Kinney with a solid foundation for his subsequent success in network television. Kinney expressed his admiration for the experience, describing it as an "acting camp" and his first major role.

Following Fashion House, Kinney landed guest spots on popular TV shows such as What About Brian, Bones, and CSI: NY, as well as starring in Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar-nominated film Zero Dark Thirty. However, he is most recognized for his roles as werewolf Mason Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries, rookie first responder Glenn Morrison in Trauma, and firefighter Lieutenant Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire, which has been renewed for a 15th season.

Kinney is thrilled to return as Kelly Severide, having worked with co-star Miranda Rae Mayo for over a decade.