Before becoming a household name as Firehouse 51’s charismatic leader Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, Taylor Kinney had a very different first job: he worked as a golf caddy. Kinney recently opened up about his early job experiences, revealing a few frustrations but also some fond memories.

In a January 2023 One Chicago video, Kinney explained how he spent his youth lugging golf clubs for “older women” who weren’t exactly experts on the golf course. “Caddy,” Kinney recalled with a slight grin. “I carried golf clubs for older women who didn’t know how to play golf. It was frustrating.”

While Kinney admits the slower pace of the job left him feeling a little frustrated, especially compared to the faster-moving players, he still appreciated the steady pocket money it provided. And, more importantly, the caddy gig fueled some of his favorite indulgences.

Pizza, Blockbuster, and Good Times

Kinney fondly recalled how his golf caddy earnings went toward his favorite weekend treats. “I would make enough money to buy a medium thin-crust pizza from Pizza Hut [and] rent a blockbuster movie for Saturday night,” he said with a smile. “Thanks, old ladies!”

That simple routine was part of what made his early career so memorable, even though the job itself wasn’t exactly thrilling. Kinney’s youthful enjoyment of pizza and movies on Saturday nights speaks to his humble beginnings and how a simple job can provide the foundation for greater things.

From Caddy to Chicago Fire

While Kinney’s golf caddy days may seem far removed from the high-stakes world of Chicago Fire, they represent the early grind that eventually led him to his career-making role. After his time caddying, Kinney transitioned into acting, where he honed his skills and found his true passion.

When it came time for his first audition for Chicago Fire, Kinney was already well into the audition circuit. But this time, there was no anxiety—only excitement. “My first audition for Chicago Fire, I was in the circuit of auditioning a lot,” Kinney recalled. “So I was decent at it. I remember never having any anxiety; I was excited about it. And then you leave it up to the powers that be: they went well.”

His fearlessness and excitement paid off, and Kinney landed the role of Kelly Severide, a character who would become a beloved fixture of the Chicago Fire franchise.

Reflecting on Ten Years of Chicago Fire

As Chicago Fire approaches its 14th season, Kinney’s reflections on his decade-long tenure with the show are filled with gratitude. “It’s never lost on me how special it is to be a part of something with the longevity this has,” Kinney said in a May 2022 interview with Us Weekly. “It’s a testament to Dick Wolf and the team of people he puts together.”

Kinney, who has been with Chicago Fire for over a decade, knows the significance of being part of a long-running hit show. He has gone from a humble golf caddy to a beloved television star, and his connection to the show and its fans has only deepened over time.

“I’m still here bugging you through your televisions while you fold laundry,” Kinney humorously teased, reflecting on his continued presence in the Chicago Fire universe.

What’s Next for Severide and Kinney?

As Chicago Fire enters its 14th season, fans are eager to see what’s next for Severide and his fellow firefighters. With Kinney’s tenacity and passion, it’s clear that his journey on the show is far from over.

From golf caddy to firefighter, Kinney’s story is a testament to hard work, persistence, and the ability to adapt. As he continues to bring Severide to life on screen, fans can look forward to many more years of thrilling action, drama, and character development.