Miranda Rae Mayo Talks ‘Chicago Fire’ [Exclusive Interview]

Miranda Rae Mayo joined the cast of NBC’s Chicago Fire in Season 4 as Stella Kidd, and she’s been an important part of Firehouse 51 ever since.

I recently had a few questions for Mayo about her role on the hit series. She discussed what she’s learned from working with firefighters, how Stella has changed, and what we can expect from the remainder of Chicago Fire Season 6.

Tell-Tale TV: When did you first decide you wanted to get into acting, and what led to that decision?

Mayo: I remember I got cast as the Wicked Witch of the West in my sixth-grade production of The Wizard of Oz. It was pretty much a wrap after that.

Tell-Tale TV: What was it that made you want to be a part of Chicago Fire, initially?

Mayo: The chance to play a firefighter and David Eigenberg. No joke. Steve from Sex and the City was the second most exciting thing in my mind.

Tell-Tale TV: How would you say Stella has changed since we first met her?

Mayo: She has gotten so much better at trusting her instincts when it comes to people. Before, especially with her ex, she would allow her sympathy to override her gut, but now we’ve seen her stick to her guns even when everyone around her thinks she’s overreacting.

Tell-Tale TV: If you could give Stella one piece of advice, what would it be and why?

Mayo: Trust that if it’s meant to be, it will work itself out. In the later half of the season, you see her start to try and micromanage her relationship from a place of insecurity and it bites her in the ass.

I would advise her to be still and allow things to unfold rather than rushing in and trying to work it all out. It just ends up making things more complicated.

Tell-Tale TV: Cast members have the chance to work with actual firefighters, correct? What are some of the most important things you’ve learned from working with those firefighters?

Mayo: Yes. The most important thing I’ve learned is the way they relate to one another. The way they joke or console each other. It’s a very specific energy and bond that they share.

I mean every individual is different, but some constant similarities are they don’t wallow, and they ease the traumatic nature of their job with a lot of laughter. Self-deprecating, ball busting induced laughter.

Tell-Tale TV: And have you had the chance to work with any female firefighters? If so, is there anything different you’ve learned from them?

Mayo: Yes, they are the toughest people I’ve met in the field. One woman had to fight for months to even be considered for the job. They also are the most appreciative of the job from what I’ve seen.

Chances are if you’re a woman and a firefighter it’s because you are truly passionate about the job. I have yet to meet a woman who became a firefighter “just because.”

Tell-Tale TV: One question that’s on everyone’s minds – can you say anything about what we might expect between Stella and Severide for the remainder of Season 6?

Mayo: We are going to think that they are solid and have the parameters of their relationship figured out, and then Kidd throws in a giant, inconvenient curveball. Stay Tuned!

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything else you can tease about the remainder of the season, either for your character specifically or for the show as a whole?

Mayo: The season ends with a new villain that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon…

Tell-Tale TV: What’s something fans might be surprised to learn about Chicago Fire?

Mayo: The actual guy that Herrmann is based off of is built like Dwayne the Rock Johnson. I cracked up when I heard that.

Tell-Tale TV: When you aren’t busy working, how do you like to spend your time?

Mayo: Lots of music and yoga. I also just love to be with my family, and I have a ton of family. My blood family, my chosen family, my LA family, my Chicago Fire family, my spiritual family, etc.

I really just love being in community. I’m very excited to see my mom, sister, dad, and grandma over hiatus, though. It’s been awhile since I got to spend time with them all without having to rush off back to work. I’m really looking forward to that.

Tell-Tale TV: Finally, what’s something fans might be surprised to learn about you?

Mayo: I started a dance troupe in high school. Haha, there were two groups; hip-hop and jazz, and I choreographed for them both. I also choreographed for our show choir.

I’m currently taking a West African dance class that is giving me SO much life. “How much life?”, you ask? SO. MUCH. #truestory

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Be sure to catch Miranda Rae Mayo on Chicago Fire, airing Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.

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