Kelly, a long-time resident of the iconic Hollywood scene, embarked on a journey to the City of Angels in the autumn of 1982, securing a coveted contract with the esteemed Wilhelmina West modeling agency.
Kelly's journey in the world of the performing arts began in the spring of 1992, when he had the distinct privilege of encountering the celebrated acting coach, Mr. Sanford Meisner, an individual renowned for his profound impact on the craft of acting. This pivotal encounter would ultimately lead to Kelly's membership in the prestigious Sanford Meisner Center for the Arts, a distinction he earned in the spring of 1995.
During his tenure at the Center, Kelly had the opportunity to shine on stage, starring in over a dozen productions, and also demonstrated his versatility as a creative force behind the scenes, writing and directing several original plays from 1995 to 2005.
Kelly's acting career experienced a significant boost as he was selected by acclaimed writer and director Lynn Mamet to portray the central character, Bobby Fry, in the inaugural production of her play "The Job". This notable role served as a testament to Kelly's burgeoning talent and versatility as an actor. Furthermore, Kelly had the privilege of collaborating with renowned writer and director Larry Cohen, assuming the role of Charles Lindbergh in the world premiere of "Fallen Eagle", a project that was jointly developed with the esteemed Oliver Stone.
Kelly's artistic journey was deeply intertwined with the Sanford Meisner Center for the Arts, which functioned as a second home to him until its unfortunate closure in the year 2005.
In addition to his past affiliations, Kelly is honored to be a part of the esteemed Board of Directors for the Ruskin Group Theatre, a prestigious institution located at the Santa Monica Airport.
Kelly brought his character to a close in February, having completed his stint in the film "Ruthless", directed by the talented Dale Stelly, where he portrayed a detective hailing from the Deep South, a region known for its rich cultural heritage.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Kelly cherishes the opportunity to devote quality time to his loved ones, a pursuit that often takes the form of his beloved "dad nights", a cherished tradition where he indulges in the joyful pastime of singing karaoke on Sunday evenings, a delightful activity that brings him immense happiness and allows him to bond with his family in a unique and memorable way.
Kelly, a multifaceted individual with a passion for the performing arts, has also established a significant online presence through various social media platforms.
Kelly's remarkable talent has garnered widespread acclaim from industry experts, with renowned director Lynn Mamet hailing him as "a pure talent, simply cast him and he can effortlessly tackle any role." Noted filmmaker Larry Cohen has similarly extolled Kelly's virtues, referring to him as "a leading man who possesses the rare ability to truly bring characters to life through his acting." Jay Bernstein, a respected industry figure, has also offered his praise, stating "You made me cry, Bravo! Excellent, your performance was truly outstanding." Meanwhile, the legendary acting coach Sanford Meisner has expressed admiration for Kelly's sensitive and nuanced approach to his craft, noting "A sensitive actor, you can't teach that, it's a gift." Billy DaMota, a prominent film critic, has been equally impressed, describing Kelly's performance as "a treat to watch, powerful and multi-layered, with strong thoughtful choices that showcase his remarkable range."
