Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Kelly.
Hi Colleen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In kindergarten, I competed in my school’s talent show with my dog Bebe. I was decked out in my pink leotard and tutu from my ballet class and was singing, “If you’re happy and you know it then you bark.” My dog Bebe would bark and then I’d throw cereal at her. The audience loved it and I loved making people smile. I found my happy place up on that stage and have spent my life in pursuit of performing ever since then. I moved from St. Louis, Missouri to LA on June 1st, 2011, a month after graduating college with my acting degree. I started doing background work and odd jobs to pay the bills while I built up my resume. I’ve been out here nine years and have been a part of commercials, short films, music videos, movies, and voiceovers. I met my husband, started my own Etsy embroidery business, and have two cats!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been filled with potholes, construction, and plenty of detours. The most struggles I had happened right when I moved out here. It seemed like everything fell to pieces all at once but I knew I couldn’t give up. I moved out here with $3000 and whatever I could fit in my car and this journey has been filled with flaky people, broken hearts, car troubles, rejection, money worries, projects falling through, sickness, and lots of moving.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actress that loves comedy. I love being a goofball and am not afraid to look like a complete idiot. One of my favorite experiences was being in a Hot Pockets Commercial with David Hasselhoff. I got to be incredibly silly and have a dance party with the Hoff! I’m currently in a BauBax jacket commercial where I play a sarcastic flight attendant who says “pockets” a lot. I’ve recently found a love for horror. I’ve been in 3 horror shorts and hopefully, I get to do more! (check out the Flix Horror YouTube channel, I’m in The Devil’s Passenger and Window Dressing). I love acting in scenes where the world you’re in is so different from real life. You end up in crazy situations but have to react to it realistically.
I’m also a huge nerd who loves playing games and had a great time being a part of the second season of the RollForIt podcast where I played an old lady tortle (a turtle person) who’s only weapon is a frying pan. I’d say what sets me apart from others is just being true to myself. I focus on how I would portray a character instead of worrying that I’m not doing enough to “showcase” myself. I also try to forget about an audition once it’s done because worrying and overthinking aren’t going to contribute to me getting casted anyway. I always try to practice gratitude, and that includes just being grateful for an opportunity to have an audition. I’m here to help tell stories and make art, not to take things personally. I also have an Etsy store called WeeniesEmbroidery. I started it when I had to have surgery in 2015 and couldn’t move around much. I design all of my embroideries as well as stitch them. I didn’t expect it to go anywhere but now five years later, it’s doing really well! I recently started making jewelry out of resin that I also sell as well.
Any big plans?
I plan to keep on keeping on. I’d love to be in a rom-com someday. I also really want a pixie cut!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeniesEmbroidery
- Instagram: colleenkellyactress
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4902947/
Image Credits
Teri Bocko, Mandy Mann
