Travis Kelce’s Acting Debut Earns High Praise from Henry Winkler

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is making waves in the entertainment industry following his acting debut in FX‘s horror drama series “Grotesquerie,” which premiered last fall. Directed by Max Winkler, son of the legendary actor Henry Winkler, the show has garnered Kelce significant praise from critics and viewers alike.

Henry Winkler, 79, recently spoke about Kelce’s performance, stating, “My son directed Mr. Kelce, Trav, and said he was a wonderful actor. I saw the show. He was great.” This endorsement from a Hollywood icon highlights the impact Kelce has made in his first scripted role.

The actor previously shared his admiration for Kelce during an appearance on SiriusXM‘s “The Spotlight with Jessica Shaw” last October. He reminisced about meeting the three-time Super Bowl champion at a Chiefs game, where Kelce wore a T-shirt featuring Winkler’s iconic character, Fonzie. “You really think he’s just a football player. He’s really good. He’s a natural,” Winkler reflected in the interview.

In addition to Winkler’s praise, fellow “Grotesquerie” cast member Niecy Nash-Betts commended Kelce’s professionalism and eagerness to learn on set. “Travis was very open. If there was a note or suggestion given, he was so amenable,” she told PEOPLE. “I love that he didn’t come in acting like, ‘I know everything and I know it all.’ “

This is not Kelce’s first venture into television, having appeared in the reality dating series “Catching Kelce” and the sitcom “Moonbase 8.” He currently hosts the game show “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?” on Prime Video. However, his recent commitments to acting may be delayed as he confirmed he will return to the Chiefs for the 2025 NFL season.

Despite the obligations of his athletic career, the future looks bright for Kelce in Hollywood. With successful reviews and a knack for connecting with audiences, he may very well carve out a significant niche in film and television alongside his storied sports career. As he balances football and acting, Kelce demonstrates that he has talents far beyond the football field.