Miranda Rae Mayo, best known for her portrayal of Lt. Stella Kidd on NBC’s popular drama Chicago Fire, recently celebrated a significant milestone—her tenth anniversary on the show. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 35-year-old actress reflected on her journey, shared her thoughts on the upcoming One Chicago crossover event, and recounted her experiences since joining the series in February 2016.
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Mayo expressed surprise at the enduring affection fans have shown towards her character over the last decade. She described the upcoming crossover, set to air on March 4, as a “massive, movie-like undertaking” that showcases the commitment of the entire cast and crew. “This is really incredible in a multitude of ways,” she said, expressing her gratitude for her time on the show and the community she has developed within the cast and crew. “I feel really blessed,” she added, reflecting on the sometimes unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
Stella Kidd, who has undergone significant character development throughout the show’s run, has resonated with many viewers. Mayo’s portrayal has inspired fans—some even text their loved ones with supportive messages drawn from her character. “That makes my heart swell,” Mayo shared, noting how overwhelming yet wonderful it is to see the connection Stella has fostered with fans. She credited her role for teaching her about commitment, sacrifice, and duty, values she holds dearly.
When Mayo joined the cast, Stella was introduced as a friend of previous character Gabby Dawson, which helped to ease viewers into her storyline. Mayo recalled her initial conversations with showrunner Derek Haas, who recognised that characters sharing positive connections often fared better with audiences. “I was very fortunate to be set up in a really good way,” she remarked.
Mayo’s first days on set remain emblazoned in her memory. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter as she filmed alongside the original cast. She fondly recalled her first scene, particularly her interactions with Jesse Spencer, who played Matthew Casey. “He was so warm… He cracked jokes and asked me about myself,” she remarked, highlighting the supportive nature of her colleagues.
Another amusing memory from those early days involved Mayo’s admiration for David Eigenberg, who is known for his role as Steve Brady on Sex and the City. She approached him in the makeup trailer to express her excitement and insist he say her name, which added a personal touch to her introduction to the cast, showcasing her deep passion for acting.
As excitement builds for the crossover event, Mayo acknowledged the pressure associated with the high expectations from fans. “It is a huge beast… to make these movies,” she stated, acknowledging the collaborative effort required. “It’s a big mountain that we are all climbing together,” she explained, alluding to the collective emotions felt by the cast and crew in preparation.
The production of Chicago Fire entails long hours in chilly conditions, prompting curiosity about how Mayo copes with the cold during outdoor shoots. “That’s a fallacy… nobody stays warm, period,” she admitted. She did share a few tips, including the use of heated vests and foot warmers, but emphasised that it ultimately comes down to endurance.
Mayo also touched on the emotional challenges faced by her character, especially following the recent departure of their foster son, Isaiah, played by Hero Hunter. This poignant moment coincided with Mayo’s 100th episode, making it particularly bittersweet. “We lost Isaiah and we lost Hero,” she shared, highlighting the connections made with Hunter and expressing hope for his future appearances on the show.
As Chicago Fire prepares for its highly anticipated crossover event featuring Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., viewers are eager to see how the storylines unfold, particularly involving beloved characters like Stella Kidd and her partner, Kelly Severide, played by Taylor Kinney. The three-hour event begins at 8 p.m. on March 4, promising drama and excitement for fans across the One Chicago franchise.
As Mayo looks ahead, she remains focused on embodying her character with authenticity and appreciating every moment within the unique world of Chicago Fire.