May 22, 1969
Gemini
Philadelphia, PA
56 years old
N/A
N/A
TV Actor
Name & Age
Full Name: Michael Joseph Kelly Jr.
Date of Birth: May 22, 1969
Current Age: 56 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth & Early Background
Michael Kelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and spent much of his upbringing in Lawrenceville, Georgia—a southern suburb outside Atlanta .
He is one of four siblings, born to parents Michael Sr. and Maureen Kelly .
Education & Early Career Path
Kelly graduated from Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia, then enrolled at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina with the intention of studying law. However, an acting elective completely changed his trajectory, and he ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts around 1992 .
Following college, he moved to New York with minimal funds—reportedly under $500—working odd jobs and performing in community theater to support himself as he pursued acting professionally .
Early Roles & Rise in Film & TV
Kelly's first significant role came in the indie drama River Red (1998), showcased at Sundance .
He delivered memorable performances in films including Man on the Moon (1999), Dawn of the Dead (2004), Changeling (2008), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), Chronicle (2012), Now You See Me (2013), Man of Steel (2013), and Everest (2015) .
On television, he had notable recurring roles in Law & Order: SVU, The Sopranos, Person of Interest, and as Jonathan “Prophet” Sims in Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior .
Breakthrough with House of Cards
Kelly is best known for portraying Doug Stamper, the calculating and loyal Chief of Staff in Netflix’s political drama House of Cards (2013–2018), appearing in over 70 episodes .
His portrayal earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019 .
Kelly immersed himself in the character’s intense arcs—such as Doug’s physical recovery and internal turmoil after brain injury—and even included his real children in those emotionally raw scenes .
Continued TV & Streaming Success
After House of Cards, Kelly continued to thrive on screen:
He starred as CIA Agent Mike November in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2019).
He portrayed Byron Westfield in Lioness (2023), appeared in The Long Road Home, Taboo, Black Mirror, and the docudrama The Comey Rule (2020) .
In 2022, he lent his voice to the animated thriller Pantheon .
Personal Life & Outside Passions
Kelly is married to Karyn (since December 2005) and they have two sons, Clinton and Frankie. The family resides in New York City .
He’s also musically inclined—he played in the band Leroy Justice during his college years .
A lifelong member of the Actor’s Studio, Kelly remains deeply involved in honing his craft through the theatrical community .
Style, Recognition & Legacy
Michael Kelly is widely recognized for his quiet intensity and razor-sharp presence on screen, particularly in morally ambiguous roles. His four consecutive Emmy nominations underscore the industry’s respect for his depth and consistency—especially in the chilling role of Doug Stamper .
Michael Kelly’s journey—from a pre-law student to a decorated character actor—is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and embracing change. Whether raising the bar in political thrillers or commanding attention in tense dramas, he continues to bring layers of humanity to every part he plays.
