Former Darien Resident Lands Role in Miniseries

RJ Kelly, a former Darien resident who now lives in Wilton, will be appearing on USA's new drama "Political Animals," which premiered this past Sunday. The highly anticipated miniseries follows an American political family and has a cast consisting of Hollywood heavy-hitters like Sigourney Weaver.

"It's a juxtaposition between that Hollywood or political family that looks so perfect and the normality of most families, and [the show does] it so well," Kelly said. "It's a good show. It's really smart writing and a great cast."

"I'm really a small part in this big show. I would have been thankful for one day in-and-out," Kelly admitted. However, he has a recurring role as an ex-president's secret service detail.

Kelly is grateful to have received the part from Greg Berlanti, one of the show's creators. "[Berlanti] is the coolest, most caring individual who surrounds himself — from the caterer, cast, crew, producers, actors — with just nice people. He's a great guy. He's an amazing soul," he said.

The show was shot in Philadelphia over the course of two months, so Kelly traveled back and forth between the city and Wilton. "[Philadelphia] is a fun town. Great restaurants. Sometimes they'll serve you too much beer and/or bourbon," Kelly said.

Although "Political Animals" is a drama, most of Kelly's acting background, which is primarily in commercials, has been comedic. "You know what's in your wheelhouse in terms of what you're good at. I'm decently funny and that's what I book. If I can improv or get a script that has some latitude — something I can play with — that's what I'll typically book," he said.

This comedic tendency goes hand-in-hand with Kelly's personal tastes citing "Arrested Development" and "30 Rock" as television favorites.

While Kelly does not have a main role in "Political Animals," he is happy to be a part of such an exciting project. "As small as my part on this is, it's still a part," he said.

Editor's note: This article was published on Darien Patch originally on Sunday. The time stamp has been changed for layout purposes on the Home page.