Ashley Cruger and Taylor Kinney cuddle up for a photo at a press event. © Getty

Taylor Kinney makes first red carpet appearance since ongoing absence from Chicago Fire alongside Ashley Cruger

The Chicago Fire star has been on a leave of absence from the show since February 22

Beatriz Colon - New York
New York WriterNew York
April 16, 2023

Taylor Kinney may not yet be back on viewers' screens as part of the Chicago Fire cast, but he has made a return to the red carpet.

The star has been on a temporary leave of absence from the hit NBC procedural since February 22nd due to an undisclosed personal matter.

While no details have yet been given concerning the personal matter nor when he would be back, he seemed to be in good spirits during his latest appearance.

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Over the weekend, Taylor was spotted at the 2023 MotoGP VIP Experience & Charity Giving event at the Circuit of The Americas racing track outside of Austin, Texas. The event Saturday was in honor of MotoUp, a non-profit supporting military communities through motorsports.

In a photo posted by the organization's official Instagram account, the actor, 41, is seen posing on the red carpet alongside his girlfriend, Ashley Cruger, who he has been romantically linked to for a year.

MORE: Chicago Fire fans concerned for Stella Kidd after emotional episode amid Severide's exit

"Thanks for stopping by @taylorkinney111 to see what we're doing to help out our #veterans," MotoUp wrote in the caption of their post, along with a heart and US flag emoji.

Taylor's appearance comes amid ongoing uncertainty regarding his role as Lt. Kelly Severide – which he has played since the show started in 2012 – and whether he'll return, even as it's confirmed that all of the One Chicago shows are slated for new seasons.

MORE: Chicago Fire's Jesse Spencer returning to the show amid Taylor Kinney's departure

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Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med have all been renewed by NBC. Law & Order creator Dick Wolf first created Chicago Fire as a spin-off of Law & Order: SVU in 2012, and its 11th season will debut this fall. Chicago PD will also be airing its 11th season, while Chicago Med is set to air its ninth.

© Getty

Taylor as Kelly Severide and Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett on Chicago Fire

Following the exciting news – Wolf Entertainment's three Law & Order series were also renewed – Wolf said: "I'm pleased to continue my four-decade relationship with Universal Television and NBC."

He added: "All six shows being picked up again is the ultimate accolade to our incredible casts, producers and writers. I'd also like to thank our loyal fans who have kept our NBC shows on the air for what will be a cumulative 84 seasons."

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