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The Reel Women of Chicago Fire
Editor’s Note: As we reach the end of Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize the Reel Women who play the heroes in our favorite One Chicago dramas. Today we celebrate the Women of Chicago Fire.
Chicago Fire follows the professional and personal lives of firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics of the Chicago Fire Department at the fictional Firehouse 51. Their tireless, never-give-up mindset brings them all closer together. The men and women of Firehouse 51 are more than co-workers, they’re family. The series is the original installment of Wolf Entertainment’s One Chicago franchise. The show features several incredible women characters — and we are featuring the women who play them.
Miranda Rae Mayo plays Stella Kidd
Stella Kidd, joined the cast as a new firefighter in Season 4. She proved to be a worthy firefighter and a great asset to the firehouse. In season 9 she passed her Lieutenant’s exam and then briefly left Chicago to spend time in Boston to work on her Girls on Fire program, a program that helps young women get acquainted with the idea of a career in firefighting. Upon her return she became the officer in charge of Truck 81 and married Lt Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney).
Here are some fun facts about Miranda Rae Mayo:
She was born in Fresno, California and began her acting career appearing in the local stage productions and at her high school Roosevelt High School.
She moved to Los Angeles and began a modeling career before making her television debut on Law & Order: LA in 2011.
In addition to her modeling and acting, Mayo is also a musician, singer, and songwriter who plays the cello and piano and enjoys writing her own music.
In 2019 Mayo did an online Live Auction in order to raise funds for the Conscious Teen Leadership program at Bodhi Chicago; designed to give Chicago teens the mindfulness techniques to be leaders in their communities, which was led and facilitated by Mayo at the time.
As an aspiring philanthropist she donates to organizations including Reading for Kids, Peace Action West, Amnesty International, and Angel City Pit Bulls.
Kara Killmer plays Sylvie Brett
Sylvie Brett Joined the cast in Season 3 as a paramedic assigned to Ambulance 61. She quickly proved to be a skilled paramedic and was assigned to the position of Paramedic in Charge. She recently broke up with Lt Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) due to circumstances that created a long-distance relationship that they both agreed wasn’t working.
Here are some facts about Kara Killmer:
She was born in Crowley, Texas, raised in Texas, and graduated, with a BFA in performance, from Baylor University.
She enjoys writing, painting, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
In 2011, Killmer was in a web series called If I Can Dream where 5 participants moved into a house wired with 56 cameras to capture every detail of their lives to be broadcast live on the internet.
She met her husband Andrew Cheney on the set of the movie Beyond the Mask.
She keeps her private life out of the public eye and only uses her social media to promote Chicago Fire.
She admitted to putting a fart machine under the bed before shooting a steamy scene.
Hanako Greensmith plays Violet Mikami
Violet Mikami joined the cast in Season 8 as a paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department and was assigned to Ambulance 61 based out of Firehouse 51. She initially had a small role that quickly grew to a regular in the series. Violet and Sylvie Brett became an excellent team and close friends. She was in a relationship with the Paramedic Field Chief, Evan Hawkins who is tragically killed in the Pickwick Theatre fire as the entire crew witnessed the collapse of the building. In one of the most emotional scenes we have seen, Violet attempts to revive Hawkins, as his body is pulled from the wreckage. His violent death has a lasting effect on Violet.
Here are some facts about Hanako Greensmith:
Hanako was born in New York city.
She is the daughter of two classical musicians and she plays the cello.
She has a BFA in Musical Theater and began her career as a musician.
She co-wrote the lyrics for a fresh and innovative all female musical called Halona & Ophelia.
Prior to Chicago Fire, she appeared in another Dick Wolf project, FBI.
She is currently in a relationship with Gabe Zetter.
