Patrick Mahomes is keeping his good friend and Kansas City Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce grounded as the star tight end explores a new career in acting.
In a recent interview with the NFL, which aired on Netflix on December 25, Mahomes was asked what he would give Kelce for Christmas. “The guy has got everything,” Mahomes said, before adding with a laugh, “Maybe some acting lessons.”
This lighthearted remark came just as a teaser for Happy Gilmore 2 was released, featuring a cameo by Kelce. The NFL star’s fame has skyrocketed since he joined the Chiefs, and his public relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift in 2023 only intensified his media presence, opening doors to new opportunities. Earlier this year, Kelce made his acting debut in Grotesquerie, a show created by Ryan Murphy for FX. He also hosted Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? on Prime Video.
Kelce’s acting debut was well-received by his costars. Micaela Diamond, who worked alongside Kelce on Grotesquerie, praised him for his enthusiasm and commitment. “We all were just like, ‘Let’s make a TV show,’” Diamond said, recalling how Kelce was eager to contribute. “Travis can do that. He was such a team player.” Diamond, who was also new to TV acting, described the experience as a mutual learning opportunity, where they both took inspiration from the more seasoned actors on set.
Niecy Nash-Betts, who also starred in Grotesquerie, spoke about supporting Kelce during his first acting role. “I just wanted to make sure I was very present for him,” Nash-Betts shared. She explained that she aimed to help Kelce navigate the unfamiliar acting world and make him feel comfortable on set. “I wanted to make sure we had time to rehearse,” she added.
Kelce’s role in Grotesquerie involved playing a character who shifts from a charming hospital worker to a down-and-out man with a mullet. Nash-Betts appreciated the show’s challenge, noting the duality of the characters and the growth Kelce experienced throughout the production.
Kelce himself admitted the pressure of entering the acting world, but he took it in stride. On his New Heights podcast in May, Kelce acknowledged his inexperience. “I’m very amateur at this,” he said. “Hopefully, I don’t bomb this for Ryan.” Despite his nerves, Kelce expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling it “unique and cool” to land his first acting gig with such a renowned producer. “I’m sure there are actors out there who have been in the industry for years and would die for this opportunity,” he added.
Reflecting on the challenges of acting, Kelce shared how he was adjusting to the craft. “At first, I thought, ‘Just memorize your lines,’” he said. “But in reality, you want to be in the scene, not just focused on the lines. You want to portray what the scene’s meaning is.”
