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Photos couresy of Joseph Briscoe
As one of the stars of Lifetime hit UnREAL, actor Josh Kelly plays against type as Jeremy Caner. Josh’s character is the ex-boyfriend of the show’s main character Rachel Goldberg -– as played by Shiri Appleby -– and cameraman of the fictitious reality show, Everlasting. He had embarrassed Rachel via a public break-up prior to the start of Season 2 of UnREAL. Josh Kelly, on the other hand, comes from a Navy family and served four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army Ranger. He remains connected to his military past as a major advocate of the Wounded Warrior Project, and was the writer, director, producer and star behind the acclaimed short film Cope.
UnREAL is hardly Josh’s first major credit as an actor. He notably portrayed Cutter Wentworth on the ABC daytime staple One Life To Live. Beyond other television appearances –- which include True Blood, Army Wives and Dollhouse -– Josh was seen in a lot of feature films, including Jarhead 2: Field Of Fire, Zero Dark Thirty, Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen, and Transformers: Dark Of The Moon. While currently based in Los Angeles, Josh lived in New York during his One Life To Live tenure.
On Monday, June 6 at 10:00 PM, Season 2 of UnREAL premieres on Lifetime. In support of the show’s return, Josh tackled some Q&A for Downtown. He can be followed on Twitter via the handle @JustJokingJK, while UnREAL can be tracked online at www.mylifetime.com/shows/unreal.
For someone who hasn’t seen UnREAL before, how would you describe the show?
Josh Kelly: UnREAL is a scripted television show about the people who make reality TV. How they have to live with and justify ruining people’s lives on national television.
Prior to the being cast in UnREAL, had you appeared in anything with any of your castmates before?
JK: J.R. Bourne and I had done an episode of NCIS L.A. together once, briefly. I wish I had worked with some of the other cast before! I’ve always respected and appreciated their prior work.
Did UnREAL change the way you watch reality television?
JK: For sure! I feel like it adds a much-needed layer to reality TV. It removes the uncomfortable falseness of most produced reality shows and allows you to more honestly enjoy it for entertainment’s sake.
Are there any reality television shows you watch loyally?
JK: Not really, but I do enjoy occasionally checking out this and that from time to time.
When you were doing your military service, did you have any opportunities to act?
JK: During deployments I realized the value of entertainment. I was the “skit” guy. I learned how important it was for people to unwind and escape during stressful situations.
You were able to tie in your acting with your military service in the short film Cope. Do you have plans to write or produce more of your acting projects?
JK: I am working on a couple scripts currently. Writing and producing your own work helps you stay sane as an actor, for sure.
When in your career did you live in New York? Was it when you were part of One Life To Live?
JK: Yes, we shot One Life To Live in the city, and I lived in an old RV behind my cousin’s house on Long Island.
What, if anything, do you miss about living in New York?
JK: New York is great to visit for about two weeks. I visit enough. (laughs) It’s maybe too fun of a city.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood within New York City?
JK: I love the Theater District and Times Square. It’s pretty magical for an actor.
Is filming for the upcoming season of UnREAL wrapped? Do you have other projects coming up that you can talk about?
JK: Can’t really talk about anything, but I might be doing some cool stuff.
Random question, but I’m always curious when multiple celebrities have the same name. Like David Bowie’s real name was David Jones and there was Davy Jones from The Monkees, or Michael Keaton’s real name is Michael Douglas. Have you ever encountered the singer/songwriter Josh Kelley?
JK: I have not, but I did accidentally get a free pair of jeans because of him. Someday I want to host SNL and have him as the musical guest. I think there could be some funny skits in that.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
JK: I love doing anything fun. Go out with friends, golfing, and lately I’ve been doing a lot of paddle boarding and kayaking.
Finally, Josh, any last words for the kids?
JK: Enjoy everything you do!