Before Chicago Fire made him a household name, Taylor Kinney was already saving lives on-screen — just with a very different look. Long before his days as the confident and brooding Lieutenant Kelly Severide, Kinney starred in NBC’s short-lived medical drama Trauma, where he sported a rugged mustache-and-goatee combo that’s almost unrecognizable to fans of his modern-day clean-cut firefighter style.

From EMT to Firefighter Hero

In Trauma, which aired in 2009, Kinney played EMT Glenn Morrison, a charming and impulsive paramedic navigating the chaos of San Francisco’s emergency scenes. The role allowed Kinney to showcase the same fearless energy and compassion that would later define his career in Chicago Fire.

Though the series lasted only one season, Trauma served as an early glimpse of Kinney’s knack for portraying heroes under pressure — characters who thrive in danger yet struggle with personal demons.

A recently resurfaced throwback photo from the show reveals Kinney’s strikingly different appearance — complete with a full mustache and goatee — a far cry from the salt-and-pepper stubble fans now associate with Severide.

The Road to Firehouse 51

By the time Trauma ended, Kinney was already carving out a diverse career. He appeared in hit series like CSI: NY, Castle, Bones, and Shameless, and gained a cult following for his role as werewolf Mason Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries.

In 2012, Kinney’s big break came when he joined the cast of Chicago Fire, helping launch Dick Wolf’s One Chicago universe. His portrayal of Severide — a fiercely loyal firefighter with an unshakeable sense of duty — quickly turned him into one of the franchise’s most beloved figures.

Kinney Reflects on His Chicago Fire Beginnings

Looking back, Kinney credits his years of experience in television for helping him land the role of Severide with confidence.

“My first audition for Chicago Fire? I was in the circuit of auditioning a lot, so I was decent at it,” he shared in a 2023 NBC interview. “I remember never having any anxiety. I was excited about it, and then you kind of leave it up to the powers that be. It went well, and 10 years later I’m still here bugging you through your televisions while you fold laundry.”

That calm confidence paid off — 14 seasons later, Kinney remains the heart of Chicago Fire, embodying a role that continues to inspire both fans and first responders alike.

From Mustache to Modern-Day Legend

While fans may be surprised by Kinney’s early look, his dedication to portraying everyday heroes has remained constant. Whether he’s a young EMT in Trauma or a battle-tested lieutenant at Firehouse 51, Taylor Kinney’s transformation is proof that some stars are simply built for bravery — facial hair and all.