Chillin’ With David Kelsey
David Kelsey was born in Palo Alto, California, but raised in the Bay Area. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics from UC Berkeley, Kelsey then moved to Southern California to pursue a career in acting.
Photos by Dean Foreman
Kelsey got his first big break starring in an MTV commercial promoting the movie Dick Tracy, where he played the lead alongside Warren Beatty, Madonna, and Al Pacino. Following this, he appeared in over 30 commercials for brands like Miller Beer, Visa, Total Cereal, and Raisin Bran. He later signed with Wrangler Jeans, becoming the face of their international campaign for three years.
Kelsey appeared in shows like NYPD Blue before landing the role of Astronaut Candidate and Mission Specialist D.B. Woods on the television series The Cape. He later guest-starred on popular series such as The Practice, Robbery Homicide Division, The Closer, Castle, and The Mentalist. His film credits include roles in Cheaper by the Dozen, Frost/Nixon, and People Like Us.
Recently, he’s starred in the award-winning film, Wrong Numbers, and won Best Actor at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. Chilled got a chance to chat with him, and he shared insights about his experience, his favorite ways to spend downtime, his go-to drinks, and more.
Tell us about the projects you are working on.
I just wrapped two independent projects: Swipe NYC and Wrong Numbers. Swipe NYC is a short film and my debut as a producer and actor. Sue Zarco Kramer wrote an incredible script and directed it. We were fortunate to have Lisa Edelstein (from The Kaminsky Method and House MD), Richard Schiff (West Wing, The Good Doctor), and Bridget Moynahan (John Wick, Blue Bloods) on board. The film has received several accolades at festivals across the country, including Best Romantic Comedy and Audience Award for Best Short Film. We’re excited about the opportunities arising from it.
Wrong Numbers, on the other hand, is a feature film written by Frederick Mensch (HBO’s Nightingale) and directed by my longtime friend Duane Edwards, who made his feature debut with this project. It’s a classic two-hander, shot entirely in Chicago over four locations, following two characters over the course of a year. We had an intense schedule—my co-star Emily Hall and I filmed 115 pages of dialogue in just one week. It felt like performing in a play, beautifully captured by our DP, Jefferey Brown. The film was recently released on Amazon, and the audience response has been heartwarming; they really connect with the film’s intimacy. Duane did a fantastic job of keeping the storytelling simple and genuine.
My production company, Table 23, is named after the VIP table I served at during my twenties at the famous Ivy at The Shore in Santa Monica. Coincidentally, it’s also the same table number where I was seated a few months ago at the Roosevelt Hotel, in the room that hosted the first Academy Awards in 1929—where I had the incredible honor of winning Best Actor at the 2024 Beverly Hills Film Festival for Wrong Numbers. We’ve optioned for some fantastic books, and I’m thrilled to have my first script in development. Storytelling has always been my passion, and with a bit more experience, I’m excited to collaborate with talented individuals to bring compelling stories to life.
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?
Without sounding too cliché, I view time as a gift. I prioritize quality moments with family and friends. My adventurous friends and I recently toured the coast of Croatia, and we love exploring places like Lake Tahoe and the East Coast from New York to Maine. I’ve also taken up golf over the last few years, and you can often find me cheering for the 49ers, Warriors, and Giants.
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
Living in the Bay Area, I’ve developed a taste for Spanish cuisine. One of my favorite spots is Coqueta on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, which offers a fantastic interpretation of Spanish dishes, complemented by great wine and inspired cocktails—all with a stunning view.
What types of dishes do you typically order?
I’m drawn to fish dishes, particularly sea bass and salmon, but I can never resist a good, aged prime rib.
Any favorite bars?
I recently shot Swipe NYC at an incredible bar in Brooklyn called Barely Disfigured. The atmosphere is stunning, and the signature drinks are top-notch—I make it a point to visit whenever I’m in New York. Wrong Numbers also featured Rosebud Steakhouse in Chicago, which is the perfect spot for a Negroni. Of course, my hometown pub, The Dutch Goose in Menlo Park… and institution since 1966… great place to pull up to the “Duck Blind” in the back and have a draft beer or Moscow Mule along with their famous deviled eggs.
What’s your favorite drink right now?
Right now, I’m into Negronis, Mezcal cocktails, or a classic Margarita.
Do you prepare drinks at home?
Yes, I often make a Negroni or enjoy a nice Añejo tequila on the rocks.
Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?
Tequila! During COVID, I developed quite the collection, thanks to SipTequila.com. Some of my favorites include Cava de Ora, Qui, and Compoveda Extra Añejo.
Have you ever been a bartender?
I just played one in my recent film! In Swipe NYC, my character Luke owns Barely Disfigured and mixes signature drinks. Lisa Edelstein’s character even called him a “magician” behind the bar—more fun than playing a doctor on TV!
If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?
Kevin Costner. I’ve always seen him as a powerhouse in independent filmmaking and he is a phenomenal storyteller, both as an actor and director. I admire how he has maintained a strong vision throughout his career. I’d love to work with him, learn from him, and enjoy a nice tequila!
Wrong Numbers trailer
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