Before you start reading this article, how about hitting play on the playlist Miranda curated for us?
It was in the fourth season of Chicago Fire that Stella Kidd made her first appearance, bringing with her a fresh and irresistible energy to the series. With her hair tied back in a practical bun and a determined gaze, the firefighter quickly won over the Firehouse 51 team—and the hearts of viewers. Stella wasn’t just another addition to the squad: she embodied strength, courage, and vulnerability in equal measure—a woman unafraid to face challenges but who also knew when it was time to lend a helping hand.
In the role of this captivating character, Miranda Rae Mayo brought a unique depth, making Stella as real as she was inspiring.
For me, seeing powerful women and their stories onscreen not only inspires me to be a better person, it gives me a portal into the feeling tone of what it would be like in my body. I think that’s really important. It gives everyone access to possibilities greater than the ones they’re currently experiencing and that’s what life is all about.
Now, nearly a decade after her debut, she graces our cover in an exclusive interview where she reflects on how Chicago Fire has shaped her career and shares her most personal moments—from discovering her first love on stage to the profound impact of the people around her on her journey. Between reflections on beauty, balance, and future ambitions, she shows us that her brilliance goes far beyond the camera lights.
In the role of this captivating character, Miranda Rae Mayo brought a unique depth, making Stella as real as she was inspiring.
There’s a magnetic presence about Miranda Rae Mayo, something that transcends her portrayal of Stella Kidd on Chicago Fire. The California-born actress commands the screen with her dramatic intensity and authenticity while embodying a rare duality: the strength of a fictional heroine who inspires and the vulnerability of an artist deeply connected to her craft.
“It’s given me so many opportunities to work and learn. It was like the most luxurious college experience, where I was paid to learn. And getting to work with some of the most skilled professionals in the business. It blows my mind. My castmates are magic and they have shaped me more than anything.”
Born in Fresno, Miranda Rae Mayo discovered her passion for acting through musical theater, a world where backstage buzzed with energy, costumes brought stories to life, and the community created a unique kind of magic. “I loved rehearsing, the costumes, the community. We had a dinner theater called Roger Rocka’s where I grew up and that’s where I first worked as a professional,” she recalls. Her talent was recognized early on, during her school theater days, when she played the Wicked Witch of the West at just 10 or 11 years old. “I had so much fun,” she says of her first acting role.
In her senior year of high school, determined to study musical theater at a conservatory, her mother—one of her greatest supporters—took her to see The Color Purple in San Francisco. “Watching Jeannette Bayardelle sing I’m Here is something I’ll never forget,” she shares when asked about someone who inspired her journey.
Shortly after, Miranda took her first official step in her career by meeting her first manager. “She went above and beyond to help me get started,” she acknowledges, expressing gratitude to the woman who opened the doors to the artistic world for her.
After deciding to pursue her passion for acting, Miranda Rae Mayo packed her bags and moved to Los Angeles, setting out to carve her place in the spotlight. In 2011, she made her television debut with a guest appearance on NBC’s Law & Order: LA. Between short films and small roles, Miranda began to chart her path with determination. In 2013, she landed a recurring role in The Game as Patreece Sheibani, and the following year, she joined the cast of Days of Our Lives, portraying Zoe Browning. For a year, her charisma and talent captivated fans of the series, paving the way for new opportunities.
With each project, Miranda left her mark, appearing in series such as Stuck!, Pretty Little Liars, True Detective, Blood & Oil, and The Affair. But it was in 2016, when she joined the cast of Chicago Fire, that she solidified her place in the hearts of viewers.
In the role of this captivating character, Miranda Rae Mayo brought a unique depth, making Stella as real as she was inspiring.
Chicago Fire is one of a kind. The cast crew, producers and guest directors comment regularly on what a special set we have. It’s a privilege to work on the show and I can’t really compare it to anything else I’ve been a part of. Being on the show has felt like a once in a lifetime opportunities in many ways, but the biggest being getting to know, watch and love these people.
Since her debut on Chicago Fire, Miranda has become an integral part of the storyline, bringing Stella Kidd to life—a character who quickly won over the series’ fans. Stella is a skilled firefighter, a resilient and complex woman full of layers, who has added fresh dynamics to a universe already cherished by audiences. When I asked Miranda about the process of building Stella, she described it as practical and collaborative: “Day by day script by script. It ends up being a lot of collaboration. In this type of show there are many cooks in the kitchen and I do my best to hear what each of them has to say.”
With each episode, Miranda brings an authenticity to the character that captivates and inspires, making Stella Kidd one of the emotional anchors of the series. It’s as if, in portraying Stella, Miranda channels not just her acting skills but also the depth of her own experiences. Curious about the connection between actress and character, I asked if there’s a quality of Stella’s that she admires and applies in her own life. Miranda responded without hesitation: “I love the way Stella addresses elephants in rooms. She doesn’t hesitate.”
I also asked if she believes there are aspects of her own personality that connect with Stella. “We can both be very competitive,” she confessed, before adding with humor, “Also, verrrry similar body structure. It’s uncanny.”
Over nearly a decade on Chicago Fire, Stella Kidd has experienced a journey filled with highs and lows that have shaped her trajectory on the show. Since her arrival at Firehouse 51, she has faced professional challenges, such as proving her worth as a firefighter, and personal struggles, including dealing with trauma and uncertainty about the future.
One of Stella’s most intense moments occurs in Season 7, Episode 2, titled Going to War. During a devastating fire in an apartment building, Stella runs out of oxygen at a critical moment, resulting in severe lung injuries that threaten her position on the team. Her recovery, depicted in the following episode, When to Let Go, highlights her determination and resilience—qualities that define her character throughout the series.
Stella has also developed a relationship that became one of the emotional pillars of the series: her romance with Kelly Severide, played by Taylor Kinney. The couple, affectionately nicknamed “Stellaride” by fans, captured hearts with their undeniable chemistry and ability to face challenges together. I asked Miranda about the most difficult scenes to portray, and she candidly recalled, “Anytime that Severide was thought to be dead, my body would freeze.. I would breathe and do my best to be as emotionally available as possible.” These tense moments added a unique depth to the narrative, showcasing how Stella and Severide’s connection transcends the screen, making them one of the most beloved couples among viewers.
Chicago Fire is a series overflowing with intense emotions, reflecting the daily lives of Chicago’s firefighters. Each episode takes the audience on a journey through stories of courage and heroism, capturing both the physical challenges and the emotional dilemmas faced by the team. The storyline unveils the humanity behind the uniforms and protective gear, illustrating the impact of rescues on both the firefighters and those whose lives are saved.
Recalling one of the moments that resonated most with her, Miranda shared: “I remember Herrmann in an episode, it must’ve been season 10 or 11, but there was an SUV underneath some type of collapse. The roof was caving in on the driver, an older gentleman, and Herrmann wouldn’t leave without making sure the man was out first. He was so loving with him, assuring him the whole time. I remember thinking ‘oh yea, that’s what our show is about.’”
These moments of humanity and empathy are the beating heart of the series, connecting the audience to stories that go far beyond the flames.
Despite all her experience, Miranda maintains a humble and inspiring perspective. “I’d like to think I’m still early in my career” she reflects.
When asked about the biggest challenges she’s faced and how she overcomes them, her response is candid and self-aware: “Ego is always my biggest challenge. Low self- confidence and getting out of fear and into love. Overcoming for me has required asking for help and not giving up.”
Off-screen, Miranda exhibits a genuine commitment to wellness and beauty, seamlessly incorporating these values into her daily life despite the demanding schedule of filming. When discussing how she keeps her skin and hair healthy, Miranda attributes much of her success to the community of women who support her. “The women I work with! Community! Karen Brody is the head of our makeup department on Fire and she is the reason my skin glows. Same with Jada Richardson, my hair stylist.” she shares.
Miranda also highlights a special ally in her routine: a green powder called Adaptazen, which she consumes daily. This addition to her regimen reflects her holistic approach to maintaining balance and vitality amid the intense demands of her career.
When asked how her relationship with beauty has evolved over the years of working closely with hair and makeup professionals, she revealed that she’s adopted some invaluable tricks. One of them, learned from Karen, revolutionized her routine: “Karen’s order of operation when applying my makeup has changed the game for me: Eyeshadow first, then concealer, then she mixes my primer with my foundation and applies my foundation.”
The pursuit of balance between her professional and personal life is something Miranda takes very seriously. She shares that she has found ways to integrate care for both her body and mind into her demanding work routine. For her, beauty and self-care go hand in hand, both being essential. She emphasizes that, in addition to the makeup tricks she has learned over the years, her skincare routine is one of the pillars of her well-being. “My skin care routine is very simple, I cleanse with bioderma, the pink bottle, apply b5 serum and then hydrate with La Roche Posay. Adding b5 to my skin care routine changed the game for my skin.” she says.
When it comes to makeup, Miranda likes to keep things simple, trusting brands like Honest Beauty by Jessica Alba to add a natural touch to her face. I asked if there’s any item she considers indispensable in her daily life: “Oh no girl, it’s all luxury. But my skin care and that b5 really have made my face so happy that I don’t want to live with out it. Also my cocoa butter. It would be hard to live without my mango cocoa butter.”
As Miranda continues to forge her brilliant path on screen, her life off-camera reveals a person equally dedicated and passionate about greater causes. Since 2023, she has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Holistic Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization led by BIPOC individuals (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), based in Baltimore, Maryland. The foundation’s mission is to enhance the social, educational, emotional, and environmental well-being of vulnerable communities through practices such as yoga, mindfulness, and health initiatives. Miranda shares her commitment to this work, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals and families while strengthening the vital connection between people and their surrounding environment.
When she’s not on set, Miranda seeks balance in simple but deeply fulfilling activities. “Spending time with my family, seeing theater, singing, cooking, eating amazing food.” she reveals. Between daily tasks and career challenges, Miranda finds refuge in moments that allow her to reconnect with herself and the people she loves.
And when life feels challenging, she anchors herself in a philosophy of perseverance: “Pain is temporary. This too shall pass.” A simple phrase, yet it carries the strength of a constant reminder of the transience of difficult moments and the importance of moving forward.
Although Miranda has achieved so much in the television world, she still nurtures dreams and ambitions. Theater and film musicals remain her greatest passions. “That’s my biggest dream,” she shares enthusiastically. “I love Chicago, Rent, In the Heights. There’s a magic in that kind of cinema that fascinates me. I’m so excited to see Wicked (when we spoke, the film had not yet been released). Like… literally can’t wait,” she adds. With a future-focused vision and an immense passion for the arts, she continues to dream and seek new opportunities that challenge her to expand her artistic horizons.
Now, with the new season of Chicago Fire about to premiere, Miranda returns to the role of Stella Kidd, promising more emotional moments, challenges, and triumphs. Don’t miss on NBC or Universal TV Brasil.
