Desmond Kelly

Born: 1928-07-24 in Nelson, New Zealand

Died: 2024-02-04

Known For: Acting

Biography

Desmond Lance Kelly was a New Zealand stage, film and television actor. After earning a science degree, he worked as a geologist and spent around 25 years in education before leaving his post at Wellington Teachers’ College in 1977 to pursue acting full time. He became a familiar presence in Wellington theatre, including at Downstage, Circa and Bats, and appeared in numerous New Zealand film and television productions, including Smash Palace, The Scarecrow, Klynham Summer, Mirror, Mirror and Peter Jackson’s The Frighteners (1996), in which he played Harry Sinclair. Kelly was also a teacher, photographer, writer and singer, and was involved in the early development of PhotoForum in Wellington. He died on 4 February 2024, aged 95.

Filmography

2012

The Strange Calls as Burt Ferguson

2011

Rage as Ces Blazey

2001

Changi as Older Tom

1997

Roar as Furbaide
Song of the Siren as Dad

1996

The Frighteners as Harry Sinclair

1995

Xena: Warrior Princess as Elkton

1994

The Last Tattoo as Monty McGurr

1993

Absent Without Leave as Daisy's Father

1988

The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey as Smithy
Illustrious Energy as Surveyor

1987

Dancers as Duke of Courland

1986

The Flying Doctors as Ben Connell

1982

The Scarecrow as Mr. Poindexter
Bad Blood as Mr. Ridley

1981

Smash Palace as Tiny