Chiefs

9 peeks behind the curtain at Travis Kelce’s blossoming acting career

Travis Kelce’s acting career is beginning to flourish as he transitions from gridiron hero to Hollywood actor.

From his standout performance on “Saturday Night Live” to tackling a new character role in FX’s “Grotesquerie,” Kelce has shown natural comedic timing and commitment to his craft. Even while hosting a revamped “Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?” and appearing in various commercials, Kelce remains dedicated to football and maintaining a successful dual career.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Kansas City native and “Saturday Night Live” cast member Heidi Gardner shared the story about Travis Kelce and his love of Uncrustables, again, with “Today” show co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.
Kansas City native and “Saturday Night Live” cast member Heidi Gardner shared the story about Travis Kelce and his love of Uncrustables, again, with “Today” show co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. File photo



No. 1: ‘Sorry, Taylor.’ Heidi Gardner talks about that ‘SNL’ bedroom skit with Travis Kelce

On the “Today” show, Kansas City’s Heidi Gardner tells how Travis Kelce pounded boxes of Uncrustables before he hosted “Saturday Night Live.” | Published May 3, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lisa Gutierrez

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce smiles as he answers questions during the media availability at the team hotel in Henderson, Nev., on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, ahead of Super Bowl LVII on Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce smiles as he answers questions during the media availability at the team hotel in Henderson, Nev., on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, ahead of Super Bowl LVII on Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com



No. 2: Chiefs’ Travis Kelce talks about challenges he’s faced on set of ‘Grotesquerie’

In addition to football, the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce has started working as an actor. He talked about the difficulties he’s faced on the set of his new FX show. | Published June 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

On the set of Travis Kelce’s new television show.
On the set of Travis Kelce’s new television show. Screengrab of DaOtterside X video



No. 3: Co-star shares photos of Travis Kelce from the set of FX show ‘Grotesquerie’

People working on FX’s “Grotesquerie” gave Chiefs star Travis Kelce some ideas for new touchdown celebrations. | Published May 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce smiles as he answers questions during the media availability at the team hotel in Henderson, Nev., on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, ahead of Super Bowl LVII on Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce smiles as he answers questions during the media availability at the team hotel in Henderson, Nev., on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, ahead of Super Bowl LVII on Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com



No. 4: What does Travis Kelce’s career after KC Chiefs look like? It will include laughs

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce leans toward humor when asked if what type of Hollywood fame he might pursue. | Published Feb. 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

Travis Kelce is asked to change his name in a new commercial from State Farm.
Travis Kelce is asked to change his name in a new commercial from State Farm. Screengrab of State Farm YouTube video



No. 5: Hollywood producer on KC Chiefs star Travis Kelce: ‘The acting chops are there’

After a stay in Europe, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is back in Hollywood. Photos from the set of his FX show were shared on social media. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

Travis Kelce with Kelsea Ballerini (left) and Heidi Gardner at the studio where “Saturday Night Live” is recorded.
Travis Kelce with Kelsea Ballerini (left) and Heidi Gardner at the studio where “Saturday Night Live” is recorded. SCREENGRAB of Saturday Night Live X video



No. 6: The story of how Chiefs’ Travis Kelce landed ‘SNL’ hosting gig has been revealed

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s representatives reached out to “Saturday Night Live” years before he hosted the show last year. | Published Jan. 3, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) smiles after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 31-17 in an NFL football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) smiles after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 31-17 in an NFL football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Kansas City. Nick Wagner nwagner@kcstar.com



No. 7: First photo of Chiefs’ Travis Kelce on the set of rebooted game show has emerged

The format and name for “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?” has been changed, and Chiefs star Travis Kelce will be hosting the game show. | Published April 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Nick Wagner nwagner@kcstar.com



No. 8: From SNL to New Heights to Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce basks but stays on task

Travis Kelce’s life in the limelight, Chiefs coach Andy Reid says, is no issue and actually “plays into what he is.” | Published January 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on the set of “Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?”
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on the set of “Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?” Courtesy of Amazon Prime



No. 9: Travis Kelce’s ‘Smarter Than A Celebrity’ game show will premiere in October

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will host the “Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity” game show on Amazon Prime and more photos were revealed. | Published Aug. 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.

Sports Pass is your ticket to Kansas City sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Kansas City area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER