John P. Kelly(1952-2006)

A local Florida actor, John P. Kelly initially made his living as a photographer in New York. He had acted in off-Broadway plays during the 1980s before moving to Florida but kept his foot in the acting pool by appearing in a number of offbeat student films at Florida State University. He appeared in Dana Buning's 2004 award-winning comedy short Zeke (2004) which won a number of awards including the "Student Film" Oscar. It also won the Silver Medal for narrative film. Kelly played the vet who neuters the title cat, causing the animal to wreak havoc and revenge on his owner. Mr. Kelly also appeared in the student short films Cater-Waiter (1996), Misfortune (2002), The Plunge (2003), Fields of Mudan (2004) and Natalie & Leonard (2004). He was killed in a car accident on February 9, 2006, when the vehicle he was driving was struck by another car. Survived by two daughters.