Desmond Kelly

Known for: Acting
Born: July 24, 1928
Died: February 4, 2024
Birthplace: Nelson, New Zealand

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

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Xmas for Lou
Xmas for Lou TBA
as Jock
Rage 2011
as Ces Blazey
Song of the Siren 1997
as Dad
The Frighteners 1996
as Harry Sinclair
The Last Tattoo 1994
as Monty McGurr
Absent Without Leave 1993
as Daisy's Father
The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey 1988
as Smithy
Illustrious Energy 1988
as Surveyor
Dancers 1987
as Duke of Courland
Bad Blood 1982
as Mr. Ridley
The Scarecrow 1982
as Mr. Poindexter
Smash Palace 1981
as Tiny

Credits from TMDB.