HE’S one of the stars of worldwide NetFlix hit ‘House of Cards’ but actor Michael Kelly has revealed he’s proud of his humble Donegal roots – and wants to come ‘home’ to trace them.
The 46-year-old plays Chief of Staff Doug Stamper to Kevin Spacey’s President Frank Underwood.
He is also best known for his roles in films such as Changeling, Dawn of the Dead, The Adjustment Bureau, Chronicle, Now You See Me and Everest.
He traces back his Irish heritage to his grandfather Edward, who made his way from Donegal to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in search of work.
“He didn’t have any money. When my grandfather got to the States, he shovelled bridges and worked in a bread factory. Eventually, he became a superintendent of an apartment building and took great pride in it,” he said.
“When I was growing up, we lived in rural Georgia, so going to the city was a real experience for us.
“My grandfather bought me my first bicycle, and I remember riding that bike with him, and we would ride it all the way to the end of the boardwalk and get little sugar doughnuts. Some of the greatest moments of my childhood were with him.”
Michael says he hasn’t had a chance to visit Donegal just yet – but he hopes to come here soon.
“I really want to go there some day; it’s something I really want to do with my dad,” he said.
He said he was due to visit last year during a trip to London – but had to cancel at the last minute.
“But I will go, I want to take my father there,” he said
“I’ve seen pictures and it looks like a fairytale, so a good summer trip with a few pints would be perfect.”
Last year, Kelly was honoured by the American Ireland Fund. “I do feel a connection to Ireland and I try to stay in touch with my roots,” he added,
