Actor. A juvenile performer, he will be best remembered for playing the title role in the film adaptation of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1938). Born into an Irish-Catholic family, his father was a fireman. Kelly was chosen by legendary producer David O. Selznick from over 25,000 boys who applied for the role of "Tom Sawyer," which led to his family relocating to Hollywood. This film was followed with him playing 'Bill Peck' in "Peck's Bad Boy with the Circus" (1938) and the pictures "They Shall Have Music" (1939), "Gone with the Wind" (1939), "Curtain Call" (1940), "Irene" (1940) and "Military Academy" (1940). He served with the United States Army with who he was stationed in Europe during World War II and resumed his film career following his return home. He retired from the entertainment industry in 1950 and attained his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He went on to become a teacher, in addition to serving with the United States Department of Agriculture.
Actor. A juvenile performer, he will be best remembered for playing the title role in the film adaptation of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1938). Born into an Irish-Catholic family, his father was a fireman. Kelly was chosen by legendary producer David O. Selznick from over 25,000 boys who applied for the role of "Tom Sawyer," which led to his family relocating to Hollywood. This film was followed with him playing 'Bill Peck' in "Peck's Bad Boy with the Circus" (1938) and the pictures "They Shall Have Music" (1939), "Gone with the Wind" (1939), "Curtain Call" (1940), "Irene" (1940) and "Military Academy" (1940). He served with the United States Army with who he was stationed in Europe during World War II and resumed his film career following his return home. He retired from the entertainment industry in 1950 and attained his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He went on to become a teacher, in addition to serving with the United States Department of Agriculture.
Bio by: C.S.
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