Biography
Paul Kelly Kennedy is a writer and actor with over a decade of experience in independent film and theater. He is known for grounded, character-driven work and for portraying complex, morally layered roles. His performances have drawn comparisons to James Caan and Josh Brolin, shaped by early influences such as Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman, and Jack Nicholson.
Nicholson’s work in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Five Easy Pieces played a key role in Paul’s decision to pursue acting, eventually leading him to expand his practice into writing. His approach emphasizes clear character intention, psychological depth, and strong narrative structure, which he brings to both his on-camera performances and his scripted work.
Paul can currently be seen performing with Tim Robbins' acclaimed theater company, The Actors' Gang, in Los Angeles. Most recently, he appeared in Topsy Turvy, a play written and directed by Robbins himself. With The Actors' Gang, Paul continues to hone his craft on stage, bringing depth and authenticity to every role.
Expanding his creative reach, Paul wrote, produced, and starred in his own original comedy pilot. In addition to leading the creative development, he successfully pitched the project to private investors and independently raised the funds necessary to bring the pilot to life-a testament to his drive both in front of and behind the camera.
Before fully committing to a career in film and television, Paul served five years as a U.S. Navy Diver following 9/11. During his military service, he spent nearly 200 hours underwater over 40 consecutive days, replacing the massive propellers on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. At his peak, Paul could hold his breath for over seven minutes and free dive beyond 100 feet on a single breath.
After his service, Paul pursued his parallel passion for aerospace engineering, working on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, one of the most complex and groundbreaking space exploration projects in history. Throughout his engineering career, Paul balanced the demands of aerospace innovation with his relentless pursuit of acting-training, performing, and building a career that now takes center stage.
Born in Tennessee to a French-Scottish father and a Cajun mother, Paul was raised in Saudi Arabia and throughout the American South, gaining a global perspective that informs his work as an artist. He now resides in Los Angeles, where he's focused on expanding his theater, film and television career.
Paul has two simple goals: get better every day and work with great people-principles that define both his work ethic and his approach to life.
