Daren Kelly embarked on a richly varied and multifaceted theatrical odyssey, commencing with a diverse array of performances in plays, musicals, and forensic contests during his high school years, thereby laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for the performing arts that would continue to evolve and flourish over time.
Kelly embarked on his professional journey in the esteemed environment of California's South Coast Repertory Theatre, a renowned institution that provided him with the opportunity to share the stage with esteemed thespians, thus allowing him to bring to life the timeless masterpieces of Shakespeare and Molière, whose works have had a profound impact on the world of theatre.
As the calendar pages began to turn and the final days of the year drew near, Kelly made a daring and resolute choice to uproot his life and relocate to the vibrant city of Chicago, a metropolis renowned for its rich cultural heritage and thriving performing arts scene.
In this new urban landscape, Kelly's professional trajectory was soon marked by a series of notable appearances in various stock productions, alongside a veritable Who's Who of talented individuals, including the esteemed Richard Kiley, the accomplished Sada Thompson, the iconic Barbara Bel Geddes, the versatile Jeffrey Tambor, and the captivating Tammy Grimes.
Kelly's professional trajectory took a pivotal turn in 1975, as he secured a highly coveted three-year contract to appear on the beloved and long-running television soap opera, All My Children. This monumental achievement served as a turning point in his burgeoning career, as he successfully transitioned from the stage to the small screen, marking a significant milestone in his journey as a performer.
Kelly's illustrious Broadway career began to unfold in 1978, marking a significant milestone with his debut appearance alongside a talented ensemble cast, comprising the renowned John Wood, the accomplished Stacy Keach, and the esteemed John Cullum, in the highly acclaimed and commercially successful play, Deathtrap. This auspicious start was swiftly followed by a succession of notable roles in a diverse range of productions, including the critically acclaimed Woman of the Year, the Tony Award-winning musical extravaganza Crazy for You, and the prestigious New York City Opera's (NYCLO) sumptuous and technically impressive revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's timeless classic, South Pacific, which boasted the legendary and highly respected baritone, Justino Diaz, in a cast that boasted a perfect blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.
Kelly's impressive touring repertoire boasts a notable inclusion - a national production of the iconic musical Footloose, where he had the distinguished honor of sharing the stage with none other than the talented Christian Borle and the illustrious Matt Morrison.
Noted for his versatility as a performer, Kelly has not only had a distinguished career in live theater, but has also made significant contributions to the world of film and television, accumulating a diverse range of credits that include, among others, the critically acclaimed "Kingdom Coming", the iconic 1970s sitcom "M*A*S*H", the entire Law & Order franchise, a memorable turn in the 1995 comedy-drama "Love Hurts" alongside Jeff Daniels, recurring roles in the popular sitcoms "Kate & Allie" and "Tales from the Darkside", a notable appearance in the hit HBO series "True Blood", and a more recent stint as a cast member on the Amazon Prime comedy-drama series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel".
