NFL star Travis Kelce made his much-anticipated acting debut on Wednesday in the third episode of FX’s hit series Grotesquery.
Known primarily for his success as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce took on the role of Ed Ilan, a mysterious hospital orderly with a flirtatious side, adding a new dimension to his already dynamic career.
In the episode, Kelce’s character, Ed Ilan—though he prefers to be called “Eddie”—interacts with Lois Nash (played by Niecy Nash) as she exits the hospital.
Eddie’s charm is immediately apparent as he playfully warns Lois that she might want to reconsider driving after her cigarette break. “You are oddly beautiful, or beautifully odd,” Eddie teases, a line delivered with the smoothness that fans of Kelce have come to expect from the athlete-turned-actor.
While Eddie’s initial interaction with Lois leaves an impression, the story takes a dramatic turn when Lois, despite Eddie’s warning, gets into a car accident. Eddie reappears to help her in a romcom-style sequence, and the two drive off in a red convertible, leaving fans questioning whether Eddie is real or simply a figment of Lois’ imagination as her drinking spirals out of control.
This acting debut is a significant moment for Kelce, who has been steadily broadening his horizons beyond football. Speaking on the New Heights podcast he shares with his brother, Jason Kelce, Travis expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying, “Right now, I’m just taking it scene by scene and trying to make sure I remember my lines. Like I said, I’m very amateur at this, but I’m having a blast.”
Kelce’s transition to acting has been met with overwhelming support from his co-stars. Michaela Diamond praised Kelce for his commitment and teamwork on set, telling US Weekly, “We were all in it together, just trying to soak up as much as we could.” Fellow Grotesquery actress Raven Goodwin also spoke highly of the NFL star, calling him “gracious, sweet, kind, and very tall,” while adding that everyone on set was excited to FaceTime their friends and family to show off their famous co-star.
Despite his limited acting experience, Kelce’s presence on Grotesquery has already garnered positive reviews. His ability to embody a character and transition seamlessly from the football field to the screen has surprised and impressed both his fellow cast members and viewers alike. “He was so game to work on the show,” Diamond continued, highlighting the NFL star’s enthusiasm and work ethic.
Kelce, who has hinted at having a “big role” in Grotesquery, described the differences between football and acting on his podcast. “I started off thinking, ‘Man, just memorize your lines.’ But the reality is, you want to take the scene from one point to the next and portray exactly what the scene’s meaning is.” His co-stars echoed this sentiment, noting Kelce’s ability to dive into each scene and respond naturally to his surroundings.
This isn’t Kelce’s only venture into the world of entertainment. Alongside his role in Grotesquery, he’s set to host Prime Video’s upcoming game show Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? and is even rumored to appear in Happy Gilmore 2. It’s clear that Kelce’s star is rising both on and off the field, and fans are eager to see where his acting career will take him next.
What’s Next for Grotesquery?
As Kelce continues to navigate his new role, fans of the show are left wondering whether Ed Ilan is a real person or merely a figment of Lois Nash’s imagination. With the storyline teasing both romance and suspense, viewers will be tuning in to see what happens next in Kelce’s character arc.
Kelce’s versatility, both as an athlete and now an actor, has captured the attention of football and entertainment fans alike. Whether on the field or in front of the camera, Kelce continues to shine in every role he takes on.
