5 Blockbuster Acting Roles And TV Shows That Prove Travis Kelce Is Hollywood's Next Crossover Star

The transition from NFL superstar to Hollywood leading man is notoriously difficult, but Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is making it look seamless. As of December 2025, Kelce has firmly planted his flag in the entertainment world, securing major roles in scripted television and film that go far beyond the typical athlete cameo. His pivot is not just a seasonal hobby; it's a full-fledged acting career pivot, complete with a leading role in an action-comedy and a memorable turn in a high-profile horror series, proving the multi-talented athlete is serious about his future on the big screen. This deep dive explores the definitive list of Travis Kelce's major acting jobs, from his surprising dramatic debut to his upcoming blockbuster appearances, cementing his status as one of the most exciting crossover stars in the entertainment industry today. We break down the details of his characters, the projects he's committed to, and how his off-field pursuits are shaping his legacy.

Travis Kelce: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Travis Michael Kelce is an American professional football player, media personality, and burgeoning actor. Born in Westlake, Ohio, he has built a Hall of Fame-caliber career in the NFL while simultaneously cultivating a significant presence in the entertainment world.

• Full Name: Travis Michael Kelce
• Date of Birth: October 5, 1989
• Place of Birth: Westlake, Ohio, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
• College: University of Cincinnati
• NFL Draft: 2013 / Round 3 / Pick 63 (by Kansas City Chiefs)
• NFL Team: Kansas City Chiefs (2013–present)
• Position: Tight End
• Super Bowl Championships: 3 (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
• Pro Bowl Selections: 9 (2015–2023)
• All-Pro Selections: 7 (4x First-team, 3x Second-team)
• Podcast: Co-host of New Heights with his brother, Jason Kelce.
• Noteworthy Past TV: Catching Kelce (2016), Host of Saturday Night Live (2023).
• Current Status: Active NFL player pursuing major acting and hosting roles.

The Scripted Hollywood Takeover: Kelce's Major Acting Roles

Travis Kelce's initial forays into the scripted world were met with curiosity, but his commitment to high-profile projects has solidified his intent to be taken seriously as an actor. He has successfully landed roles with some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Ryan Murphy and Adam Sandler.

1. Grotesquerie (FX Horror Series)

Kelce landed his first major acting job in Ryan Murphy's FX horror drama series, *Grotesquerie*. This role marked a significant step beyond commercials and reality TV, placing him in a scripted, dramatic environment alongside seasoned actors like Niecy Nash-Betts. * Character Name: Ed Laclan. * Role Details: Kelce portrays a nurse working at the hospital where Niecy Nash-Betts' character's husband is in a coma. His character is described as a gentle, quick-witted, and "flirty nurse with swagger". * Debut: Kelce appeared in Episode 3 of the series, which premiered on October 2, 2024. His performance, while a supporting role, demonstrated his willingness to jump into the horror series genre and work under an acclaimed showrunner like Murphy.

2. Loose Cannons (Lionsgate Movie)

Perhaps the most telling sign of Kelce's acting career ambition is his confirmed involvement in the action-comedy film, *Loose Cannons*. This project is a huge vote of confidence from Lionsgate, as Kelce is set to take on his first leading role in a feature film. * Genre: Action-Comedy. * Role Significance: Being the sole confirmed cast member for a leading role suggests the movie may be specifically conceived and written to capitalize on his charismatic public persona and physical presence. This is a critical test of his bankability as a movie star.

3. Happy Gilmore 2 (Movie Cameo)

In a move that connects him to one of the most beloved comedy franchises of all time, Kelce is also set to make a brief appearance in the upcoming Adam Sandler sequel, *Happy Gilmore 2*. * Role Type: Cameo. * Context: While a cameo is not a major acting role, it keeps him in the Hollywood ecosystem and demonstrates his appeal across different genres and with major comedy figures like Sandler. This appearance adds to his growing portfolio of Travis Kelce movies and TV shows.

From Gridiron to Game Show: Kelce's Hosting and Reality TV Ventures

Before his scripted television premiere, Kelce was already a familiar face on TV, showcasing his natural charisma and comedic timing in non-scripted and hosting roles. These appearances were the foundation of his move toward a broader entertainment career.

4. Saturday Night Live (SNL) Host

In March 2023, Kelce hosted *Saturday Night Live*, a prestigious role often reserved for A-list celebrities, comedians, and actors. His performance was widely praised for his comedic timing and willingness to commit to sketches, proving he had the stage presence required for live television. * Impact: Hosting SNL is often seen as a gateway to more serious acting opportunities in Hollywood, demonstrating his ability to handle scripted material and work with a professional comedy troupe.

5. Catching Kelce (Reality Dating Show)

In 2016, Kelce starred as the bachelor in his own reality dating show on E!, *Catching Kelce*. The show followed 50 women, one from each state, competing for his affection. * Significance: This early reality television experience gave him valuable camera time and established his public image as a charming, fun-loving personality, which has been crucial to his subsequent media and commercial success.

The Future of Travis Kelce's Entertainment Career

Kelce has been very open about his desire to continue pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, whether through acting or hosting. Beyond his scripted roles, he is also set to host a new game show. The sheer volume of his commitments—including a demanding NFL schedule, co-hosting the highly successful *New Heights* podcast, and shooting commercials—raises questions about the balance between his athletic and entertainment pursuits. Kelce himself has admitted that his NFL game "slipped" when he started his intensive pursuit of acting, highlighting the significant time commitment required for his new profession. His current trajectory, however, suggests a carefully planned pivot. By securing a major supporting role in a Ryan Murphy production (*Grotesquerie*), a leading role in a Lionsgate film (*Loose Cannons*), and a cameo in a major comedy sequel (*Happy Gilmore 2*), Travis Kelce is quickly building a diverse and impressive Hollywood resume. Fans and industry insiders are watching closely to see if this All-Pro tight end can truly become an All-Pro actor. The next few years will be the ultimate test of his longevity and talent in his new, highly competitive field.