
Desmond Kelly
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Desmond Lance Kelly was a New Zealand stage, film and television actor. After earning a science degree, he worked as a geologist and spent around 25 years in education before leaving his post at Wellington Teachers’ College in 1977 to pursue acting full time. He became a familiar presence in Wellington theatre, including at Downstage, Circa and Bats, and appeared in numerous New Zealand film and television productions, including Smash Palace, The Scarecrow, Klynham Summer, Mirror, Mirror and Peter Jackson’s The Frighteners (1996), in which he played Harry Sinclair. Kelly was also a teacher, photographer, writer and singer, and was involved in the early development of PhotoForum in Wellington. He died on 4 February 2024, aged 95.
Known for
Credits

The Frighteners (1996)
as Harry Sinclair

Dancers (1987)
as Duke of Courland

The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey (1988)
as Smithy

Smash Palace (1981)
as Tiny

The Scarecrow (1982)
as Mr. Poindexter

The Last Tattoo (1994)
as Monty McGurr
Xmas for Lou (—)
as Jock

Absent Without Leave (1993)
as Daisy's Father

Bad Blood (1982)
as Mr. Ridley

Song of the Siren (1997)
as Dad

Illustrious Energy (1988)
as Surveyor

Rage (2011)
as Ces Blazey





