After a lengthy career in radio, Bill Kelly is now an acting success appearing in TV shows such as Ballers and The Detour. Being a regular character in 2015 to 2016 in the Netflix Original Series Bloodline playing the role of Clay Grunwald, Bill has continued acting in many TV shows and will soon be seen in upcoming roles. Answering our questions, Bill tells us about his career change to acting, appearing in Bloodline and what filming he has coming up.
You have filmed for upcoming feature film A Brilliant Monster, is there anything you can tell us about it?
It’s a story about a guy who is living a lie about his creativity and just how far he will go to stay at the top. I got to work with my great friend, FC Rabbath on yet another in a long string of films and commercials we’ve done together.
Do you know if it will have an overseas release?
I’m not positive, but I think so.
You played Clay Grunwald across numerous episodes of Netflix series Bloodline, can you tell us about your character?
Clay is a federal agent who comes in to take over John’s case but ends up working with him in an effort to uncover the dirty deeds of Wayne Lowery. I think, given enough time, Clay would have begun to put the pieces together about the family.
What did you enjoy the most about appearing on the show?
Working with the incredibly talented cast and crew of the show. An Oscar winner, Golden Globe winner, Tony winner, two Emmy winners! And the crew was top-notch! Great writers, directors, producers… and the location can’t be beaten!
Was this your longest filming role and would you like to appear in anything similar?
Yes it was. We shot quite a few weeks in the Keys, which was a fantastic experience. I wish we could have gotten six seasons out of Bloodline, but yes, I would welcome more shows like that one. Of course, it’s going to be hard to beat Bloodline.
What was it like filming your episode of The Detour and how long were you on set?
I wasn’t on set very long, and really didn’t know exactly what I was going to be doing. Jason Jones just looked at me and said, “you’re gonna be my guy!” THEN, he told me what I was going to be saying! Haha! It was extremely fun!
How much did you enjoy filming your episode of Ballers and how was it acting with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson?
Ballers was fantastic! And Dwayne is THE BEST! Such an incredibly nice person!
You were the announcer on Altered Course in 2015, would you like to do more announcing jobs?
YES! That was very fun to do! I have done a ton of voice work, just not for many shows. I think all of us have said, at one time or another, “Previously on…….Survivor!”, just to see what we would sound like! (At least I have!)
Having previously had a radio career, how did you go from that to acting?
Acting had always been a dream of mine, so I jumped at the chance to go and audition to be in student films produced by the students at the Florida State University Film School. I went in and did a cold audition and got an offer for a part pretty quickly. Being an air personality isn’t that different from acting. The old saying is that you hang your emotions outside the control room door before you go on the air, in an effort to convey to the listener that you are in a great mood, life is awesome, you’ve got no problems, etc. In reality, you could be having the worst day of your life. You just have to ‘act’ like it isn’t.
Was it a difficult decision to move away from radio?
Not at all.
Have you ever visited the UK?
I haven’t, but that is very high on my list!
What do you enjoy doing away from your career?
I race Go Karts, go kayaking, work in my yard, spend time with my love, Nancy!
We understand your son recently received a Life Saver Award, how was it seeing him receive it?
So incredibly proud! I choke up anytime I think of my kids doing something great to help others. Very, very proud of them all!
Are you able to tell us what your acting plans are for the next few months?
I’m working on two television series right now… one in a recurring role, the other in a single episode. I’ve also recently shot a part in the movie, Trial by Fire starring Jack O’Connell and Laura Dern. Also, I am booked to be in a new film with shooting slated to start in July. Of course, I’m always open for more!
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