Travis Kelce’s ‘Grotesquerie’ character was written for him, says Ryan Murphy
He may be a football player – and famously Taylor Swift’s boyfriend – but Travis Kelce’s lack of acting experience wasn’t a big problem for Ryan Murphy when he cast him in his latest FX show, Grotesquerie.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference Business Insider attended ahead of the premiere of “Grotesquerie,” Murphy explained how the unexpected casting came about. It all started with a general meeting with Kelce, who was a fan of Murphy’s work and interested in becoming an actor.
The “Glee” creator said he was already intrigued by what he saw from Kelce. “I always have a motto in my world and in my work that a star is a star is a star,” Murphy explained. “It doesn’t matter what field you’re a star in. If you have that charisma, you’re going to bring it to everything you do.”
At their meeting, Murphy gave Kelce some “fatherly advice” about getting into the business and expected their conversation to end with him assuring Kelce that he would keep him in mind for future projects. But Kelce insisted on getting a role as soon as possible while he took a break from football and had time to film.
“He said, ‘No, I want to do it now. I have three months now and I would really like to have it all.'”
Murphy had just begun pre-production on “Grotesquerie” and offered to tailor a role in the show specifically for Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end was more than eager to play.
Travis Kelce in Grotesquerie. Effects
“Grotesquerie,” which premieres on Wednesday, is a horror drama about detective Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash-Betts), who investigates a series of murders in a small community with the help of a nun-journalist (Micaela Diamond).
FX hasn’t released any details about Kelce’s character — not even his name — but Murphy did reveal that he has shared scenes with Nash-Betts’ character in the first episode, which Murphy directed.
“Niecy and I liked him immediately and took him by the hand and let him know that he would not fail, that he could not fail,” Murphy recalled. “And he was really incredible.”
According to Murphy, Kelce worked with an acting coach for months, showed up on set without a script and knew every line.
“He was so professional. He was so dedicated. He kept telling me: I’m really coachable. Train me, train me. So I did. And in the end, he was a real joy,” he added.
The prolific TV producer, who is also co-showrunner on Netflix’s latest true crime drama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” had nothing but positive things to say about his experience working with Kelce. In fact, he’s more than willing to work with him again.
“I would love to continue to work with him on this and other things. I can’t speak highly enough of him as a leader. He is just the kindest and most loving person,” Murphy said. “Everything you think about him is true.”
“Grotesquerie” premieres Wednesday, September 25 at 10 p.m. ET on FX and will stream on Hulu.
