Travis Kelce
Kelce, known for football, is making his film debut in Happy Gilmore 2, after minor TV appearances and a scripted series role.

Travis Kelce is an American professional American football player who plays as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). He is renowned for his exceptional receiving skills, speed, and ability to make crucial catches, often serving as a key offensive weapon for his team.

Kelce has earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, establishing himself as one of the top players at his position. Outside of football, he has also gained widespread recognition through his appearances on television and his high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.

Recently, fans have been talking about how his career has moved in a different direction, with his appearance in Happy Gilmore 2. Many fans are curious about whether Travis Kelce has a history in acting beyond his athletic career, particularly before his role in the Adam Sandler flick.

Travis Kelce in Popular Media

Kelce is primarily known as an NFL star, but he has also made several appearances on television, mostly in reality or cameo roles. His acting credentials are limited, and his work in film and scripted TV remains minimal prior to the upcoming sports comedy.

Kelce's earliest screen appearances include reality television, where he gained some recognition. He appeared in 'Catching Kelce' in 2016, a dating show centred around his search for a partner. This show was part of his rise to fame and showcased his personality outside football.

Kelce also participated in the 2024 reboot of 'Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?', as the host. These appearances, however, did not involve acting in scripted roles but rather entertainment and hosting.

In terms of scripted television, one notable role before Happy Gilmore 2 was in the comedy series 'Moonbase 8' in 2020. Kelce appeared in a single episode as himself, which was described as a piece of stunt casting by NASA for the astronaut programme.

This guest spot was brief and did not involve acting as a fictional character but was more of a cameo that played on his real-life persona. 'Moonbase 8' starred John C. Reilly, Tim Heidecker, and Fred Armisen, with Kelce's role being a fun inclusion rather than a traditional acting part.

Beyond these, Kelce was involved in the documentary 'Kelce' (2020) focusing on his brother Jason Kelce's NFL career, but this was a real-life portrayal rather than scripted acting. He also appeared in the reality series 'Hard Knocks' (2024), which offers an inside look at NFL teams during training camp. Again, these are documentary or reality-based appearances, not scripted acting roles.

Acting Debut and History

His role in 'Grotesquerie', an FX horror series premiering in September 2024, marks his debut in scripted drama. Kelce plays Ed Laclan, a character in a series involving heinous crimes and sinister plots. This role signifies a step into more traditional acting, and it is his first substantial part in scripted television.

The recent flick 'Happy Gilmore 2', released on 25 July 2025 on Netflix, is his first major film role. It is a sequel to the 1996 comedy 'Happy Gilmore', featuring Adam Sandler and other familiar cast members.

Travis Kelce's acting history before Happy Gilmore 2 consists of minor television appearances, reality show hosting, and a single cameo in 'Moonbase 8'. His role in 'Grotesquerie' is his first serious scripted acting role in television. No film roles have been credited to him prior to the recent sports comedy. As such, Kelce's acting background is still in its early stages, with Happy Gilmore 2 as his feature debut in film.

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