TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – For decades, Bill Kelly’s voice has filtered over the Tallahassee airwaves.
While working as a radio DJ, Bill said he still always wanted to pursue another passion, acting.
For decades, Tallahassee resident Bill Kelly has worked in radio, but always had dreams of becoming an actor. This photo is from a story WCTV did with him about FSU going to the Blockbuster Bowl in 1990.(WCTV)
In 2011, at age 50, Kelly signed with an agent, getting roles in TV and films like “Where the Crawdads Sing,” and acting with Hollywood A-listers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and now, Sydney Sweeney.
However, Kelly said, his move into acting didn’t just happen overnight. He said it took about a decade to get to where he is now. He said his start was by volunteering as an actor at the FSU Film School.
“I run into people all the time that are working on the crews of TV and films and they’re like ‘I remember you from the film school and I’m so proud of the film school and what they’ve done for me,” Kelly said.
Today, Kelly still works for a local radio station. He said acting is the coolest part-time job and a dream come true.
Bill Kelly always wanted to be an actor. So in 2011, at age 50, he had done enough regional work to make a demo reel, hire an agent and look into TV and film roles.(Billy Kelly)
When asked about his acting career, Kelly said, “I get to leave something for my kids, grandkids and great grandkids to go, ‘that’s one of your ancestors.”
Kelly’s latest film, “Christy” hits theaters on Friday. It tells the story of former professional boxer, Christy Martin, played by Sydney Sweeney. Kelly plays “Larry Carrier” in the film.
When it comes to his late-in-life career move, his message is clear.
“Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re too old to do something,” he said. “If you want it bad enough, go get it.”
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