David Kelsey was born in Palo Alto, California, however raised within the Bay Space. After finishing a Bachelor’s diploma in Worldwide Economics from UC Berkeley, Kelsey then moved to Southern California to pursue a profession in appearing.
Images by Dean Foreman
Kelsey bought his first large break starring in an MTV industrial selling the film Dick Tracy, the place he performed the lead alongside Warren Beatty, Madonna, and Al Pacino. Following this, he appeared in over 30 commercials for manufacturers like Miller Beer, Visa, Whole Cereal, and Raisin Bran. He later signed with Wrangler Denims, turning into the face of their worldwide marketing campaign for 3 years.
Kelsey appeared in exhibits like NYPD Blue earlier than touchdown the function of Astronaut Candidate and Mission Specialist D.B. Woods on the tv collection The Cape. He later guest-starred on widespread collection reminiscent of The Observe, Theft Murder Division, The Nearer, Fortress, and The Mentalist. His movie credit embrace roles in Cheaper by the Dozen, Frost/Nixon, and Individuals Like Us.
Not too long ago, he’s starred within the award-winning movie, Mistaken Numbers, and received Greatest Actor on the Beverly Hills Movie Competition. Chilled bought an opportunity to talk with him, and he shared insights about his expertise, his favourite methods to spend downtime, his go-to drinks, and extra.
Inform us in regards to the initiatives you might be engaged on.
I simply wrapped two impartial initiatives: Swipe NYC and Mistaken Numbers. Swipe NYC is a brief movie and my debut as a producer and actor. Sue Zarco Kramer wrote an unbelievable script and directed it. We had been lucky to have Lisa Edelstein (from The Kaminsky Methodology and Home MD), Richard Schiff (West Wing, The Good Physician), and Bridget Moynahan (John Wick, Blue Bloods) on board. The movie has acquired a number of accolades at festivals throughout the nation, together with Greatest Romantic Comedy and Viewers Award for Greatest Quick Movie. We’re excited in regards to the alternatives arising from it.
Mistaken Numbers, alternatively, is a characteristic movie written by Frederick Mensch (HBO’s Nightingale) and directed by my longtime pal Duane Edwards, who made his characteristic debut with this venture. It’s a traditional two-hander, shot solely in Chicago over 4 areas, following two characters over the course of a yr. We had an intense schedule—my co-star Emily Corridor and I filmed 115 pages of dialogue in only one week. It felt like performing in a play, superbly captured by our DP, Jefferey Brown. The movie was lately launched on Amazon, and the viewers response has been heartwarming; they actually join with the movie’s intimacy. Duane did a implausible job of retaining the storytelling easy and real.
My manufacturing firm, Desk 23, is known as after the VIP desk I served at throughout my twenties on the well-known Ivy at The Shore in Santa Monica. Coincidentally, it’s additionally the identical desk quantity the place I used to be seated just a few months in the past on the Roosevelt Resort, within the room that hosted the primary Academy Awards in 1929—the place I had the unbelievable honor of profitable Greatest Actor on the 2024 Beverly Hills Movie Competition for Mistaken Numbers. We’ve optioned for some implausible books, and I’m thrilled to have my first script in improvement. Storytelling has at all times been my ardour, and with a bit extra expertise, I’m excited to collaborate with proficient people to carry compelling tales to life.
Along with your busy schedule, what do you love to do together with your downtime?
With out sounding too cliché, I view time as a present. I prioritize high quality moments with household and mates. My adventurous mates and I lately toured the coast of Croatia, and we love exploring locations like Lake Tahoe and the East Coast from New York to Maine. I’ve additionally taken up golf over the previous few years, and you may usually discover me cheering for the 49ers, Warriors, and Giants.
Once you exit to eat, the place do you prefer to dine?
Dwelling within the Bay Space, I’ve developed a style for Spanish delicacies. One in all my favourite spots is Coqueta on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, which presents a implausible interpretation of Spanish dishes, complemented by nice wine and impressed cocktails—all with a shocking view.
What sorts of dishes do you usually order?
I’m drawn to fish dishes, notably sea bass and salmon, however I can by no means resist , aged prime rib.
Any favourite bars?
I lately shot Swipe NYC at an unbelievable bar in Brooklyn known as Barely Disfigured. The environment is beautiful, and the signature drinks are top-notch—I make it some extent to go to every time I’m in New York. Mistaken Numbers additionally featured Rosebud Steakhouse in Chicago, which is the proper spot for a Negroni. After all, my hometown pub, The Dutch Goose in Menlo Park… and establishment since 1966… excellent spot to drag as much as the “Duck Blind” within the again and have a draft beer or Moscow Mule together with their well-known deviled eggs.
What’s your favourite drink proper now?
Proper now, I’m into Negronis, Mezcal cocktails, or a traditional Margarita.
Do you put together drinks at residence?
Sure, I usually make a Negroni or take pleasure in a pleasant Añejo tequila on the rocks.
Inform us about your own home bar. What’s it stocked with?
Tequila! Throughout COVID, I developed fairly the gathering, due to SipTequila.com. A few of my favorites embrace Cava de Ora, Qui, and Compoveda Additional Añejo.
Have you ever ever been a bartender?
I simply performed one in my latest movie! In Swipe NYC, my character Luke owns Barely Disfigured and mixes signature drinks. Lisa Edelstein’s character even known as him a “magician” behind the bar—extra enjoyable than enjoying a health care provider on TV!
In the event you may share a drink with anybody, who wouldn’t it be?
Kevin Costner. I’ve at all times seen him as a powerhouse in impartial filmmaking and he is an exceptional storyteller, each as an actor and director. I love how he has maintained a powerful imaginative and prescient all through his profession. I’d like to work with him, study from him, and luxuriate in a pleasant tequila!
Mistaken Numbers trailer
