Elijah Kelley
| Elijah Kelley | |
|---|---|
 Elijah Kelley, January 2008 | |
| Born |
August 1, 1986 LaGrange, Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, singer, dancer |
| Years active | 1998–present |
Elijah Kelley (born August 1, 1986) is an American actor, singer, and dancer. Kelley appeared in the films Take the Lead (2006) and 28 Days (2000), and co-starred in the musical film re-adaptation of Hairspray (2007), in which he portrayed the character Seaweed J. Stubbs.
Life and career
Kelley was born and raised in LaGrange, Georgia, attending both Long Cane Middle School and Troup County High School, where he auditioned for and participated in the school's show choir for years.[1][2]
As a child, Kelley starred in Coca-Cola commercials and played a short role in the film "Mamma Flora's Family." He also performed in a church choir[3] and gospel band with his family as a child. Kelley's parents, determined to keep their son down to earth, moved with him when he set out for Los Angeles after graduating from high school.[4]
In 2006, Kelley was cast in a film version of Hairspray released on July 20, 2007. Both Kelley's performance and the film have received positive reviews.[5]
On December 2, 2011, Kelley sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the Pac-12 Conference Championship Game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
He is the first choice to play Bobby Brown in the Untitled New Edition Biopic.[citation needed]
Kelley is a devout Christian.[citation needed]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Mama Flora's Family | Young Willie | TV-Movie | |
| 1999 | A Lesson Before Dying | Clarence | TV-Movie | |
| 2000 | 28 Days | Darnell | ||
| 2000 | Heavens Fall | Leroy Wright | ||
| 2000 | Rome & Jewel | Ben | Direct-to-video | |
| 2006 | Take the Lead | Danjou | ||
| 2007 | Hairspray | Seaweed J. Stubbs | Hollywood Film Award for Ensemble Of The Year Young Hollywood Award for One to Watch Nominated – Critics Choice Award | |
| 2012 | Red Tails | Samuel 'Joker' George | ||
| The Boys of Abu Ghraib | Tunde | |||
| 2013 | The Butler | Charlie Gaines | ||
Television series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Shield | Jaymon | Episode: "Grave" |
| Everybody Hates Chris | Waiter | Episode: "Everybody Hates the Babysitter" | |
| 2006 | Numb3rs | Anthony | Episode: "The OG" |
| 2009 | Dirty Sexy Money | Elon Elder | Episode: "The Facts" |
Discography
Soundtracks
- 2007: Hairspray Soundtrack - July 10, 2007
- 2008: DisneyMania 6
- 2008: Sex and the City: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Vol. 2
Hairspray singles
- "Run and Tell That"
- "Come So Far"
- "Without Love"
- "You Can't Stop the Beat"
DisneyMania 6 singles
- "He Lives in You"
Semi-Pro
- "Shining Star"
References
- ↑ Barnes, Brad (2007-07-20). "LaGrange to honor local 'Hairspray' star". Ledger-Enquirer. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
- ↑ Eisner, Ken (2007-07-19). "Hairspray's Kelley energized by cast". Straight.com. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
- ↑ "Elijah Kelley: Whoa, Who's That Kid?". Time. July 19, 2007.
- ↑ Every time he comes to LaGrange Georgia he loves to eat his Aunt Judy's sweet potato pie and he says he will be at his Family Reunion this year in Savannah Georgia USA WEEKEND
- ↑ VH1.com
External links
- Elijah Kelley at the Internet Movie Database
- (July 3, 2006). "Elijah Kelley to Play Seaweed in Hairspray Film". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved July 2, 2007.
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