Kelley grew up in Columbus, Mississippi, where his father managed the local television station until his sudden and unexpected death when Kelley was just nine years old. Kelley attended public schools, where he was encouraged by his teacher to take on the role of Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the local women's college, earning him a Best Actor award.
As a National Merit Scholar, Kelley received a scholarship from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where he graduated with a degree in psychology and was accepted to law school, simultaneously working as a counselor in the criminal courts. However, an opportunity to work as a singing waiter at the Crystal Palace in Aspen, Colorado, changed his direction, and he never returned to law.
After a year of performing and skiing, Kelley was accepted into the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, where he studied under the guidance of Sanford Meisner. Upon graduating from the Playhouse, Kelley remained in NYC, working in Off and Off-Off Broadway theaters, touring, and even appearing in one of the original Levi's 501 commercials.
While studying with the legendary teacher Bobby Lewis, Kelley met his future wife and later moved to Los Angeles. He became a member of the acclaimed Actors Co-op in Hollywood, appearing in numerous productions and receiving a Dramalogue award for his performance as Dr. Wilson in Terra Nova.
In 2007, Kelley moved his family to Asheville, North Carolina, but he continues to work in theater, film, and television. He is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, with a long and distinguished career spanning decades.
