NFL Star Impresses on Set of FX’s Grotesquerie With Natural Chemistry and Acting Skills
Travis Kelce, star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has made a surprising new connection in the world of acting, and it comes with a glowing endorsement from Emmy Award-winning actress Niecy Nash-Betts. According to an exclusive source, Kelce, 34, quickly earned Nash-Betts’ admiration while filming the upcoming FX horror series Grotesquerie, led by American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy.
“They had a blast on set. Niecy absolutely adores him,” the insider told PEOPLE, noting that the pair’s chemistry was evident from the start. “Travis was in great spirits, and he and Niecy hit it off effortlessly. Nothing between them felt forced.”
Known for her discerning personality, Nash-Betts, 54, is someone who quickly forms opinions about people. However, the source shared that Kelce got “an automatic green light from her.”
Nash-Betts first teased Kelce’s involvement in the horror project back in May, sharing an Instagram video of the two together on set. “Guys, guess who I am working with on Grotesquerie?” she teased before revealing Kelce, who responded enthusiastically, “Jumping into new territory with Niecy!” Nash-Betts added, “We on site!”
Since then, their budding friendship has been showcased in a series of playful behind-the-scenes videos, where the two can be seen dancing and engaging in light-hearted antics between takes.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in June, Nash-Betts expressed her pleasant surprise at Kelce’s acting ability. “He’s doing really well, really well,” she said, while also sharing that she’s been helping him with his lines. Their rehearsal sessions, she joked, are typically casual affairs involving “sitting around eating In-N-Out and reading words off a piece of paper.”
Despite his growing confidence on screen, Kelce admitted that transitioning into acting has been a new challenge. While appearing on Good Morning America in June, he reflected on his evolving role as an actor. “I guess you could say that,” he said when asked if he considered himself an actor. “I’ve been on a few shows before, but I’ve only ever played myself.”
He continued, “It’s definitely different portraying a character and finding the emotions and understanding a script. It’s a challenge. I feel like an amateur right now, but I’m coachable. That’s one thing I know from sports — I’m a coachable guy.”
With Nash-Betts’ confidence and support behind him, Kelce seems ready to tackle this new challenge, bringing his talents from the field to the screen in a highly anticipated new role.