Since its debut on NBC in October 2012, Chicago Fire has kept audiences hooked with its intense depiction of the lives of firefighters, paramedics, and rescue workers

at Firehouse 51. Created by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, the series combines thrilling action with deeply personal stories. One of the most memorable and complicated relationships

in the show’s early seasons is the one between Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Renee Royce (Sarah Shahi), a character who, despite her limited screen time, left a significant impact on the storyline.

The Start of Renee Royce and Severide’s Romance

Renee Royce, portrayed by Sarah Shahi, first appeared in Season 1 of Chicago Fire. She was an international finance lawyer who met Severide under dramatic circumstances—when he heroically rescued her from a car crash involving live electrical wires. This dramatic event sparked a romantic relationship between them, which quickly became one of the focal points of the early seasons of the show.

However, their romance was short-lived. Renee was offered a job promotion that required her to move to Madrid. Severide, who was committed to his career and life in Chicago, chose not to follow her, leading to the end of their relationship. This marked a turning point for Severide, as he struggled with balancing his personal life and his demanding job.

The Shocking Twist: Renee’s Pregnancy

Though it seemed their relationship had ended for good, Renee made a surprising return in the Season 1 finale. She revealed that she was pregnant and claimed the child was Severide’s, asking him to co-parent with her. This revelation set the stage for major drama in the following season when the truth finally came out: the baby was not Severide’s. This discovery led to the ultimate end of their already rocky relationship, leaving Severide to deal with yet another betrayal in his complicated love life.

Renee’s Final Appearance in Season 6

Renee’s character made one last appearance in Chicago Fire during Season 6, where she approached Severide to ask for a favor. However, her storyline concluded quickly, and she didn’t appear again in subsequent seasons. Despite this, her presence in the series remains significant, especially in the early seasons, as it shaped Severide’s character and emotional journey.

Sarah Shahi’s Career Beyond Chicago Fire

Sarah Shahi, the talented actress behind Renee Royce, has built a diverse and successful career in television and film. She gained recognition for her role as Carmen de la Pica Morales on The L Word and has since starred in leading roles in Fairly Legal, Person of Interest, and Reverie. In addition to her television roles, Shahi has appeared in films such as Bullet to the Head and Black Adam. More recently, she earned praise for her portrayal of Billie in the Netflix series Sex/Life and her role in the film adaptation of Red, White, and Royal Blue.

Renee Royce’s Legacy in Chicago Fire

Though Renee Royce’s time on Chicago Fire was relatively brief, her character played a pivotal role in the development of Kelly Severide’s character. Their tumultuous relationship highlighted his struggles with trust and commitment, themes that would continue to influence his future relationships, including with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), who eventually became his wife. Renee’s storyline also added depth to Severide’s character, making her an essential part of the show’s early narrative.