Jack Kelly Biography: Children, Awards, Politics, Siblings, Height, Ethnicity, Wife, Movies, Wife, Age, Death
John Augustus Kelly Jr., known professionally as Jack Kelly, was an American actor and later a politician, best remembered for playing Bart Maverick, the smooth-talking gambler in the classic TV series Maverick.
He built a strong career during the Golden Age of television and film, working alongside actors like James Garner before shifting into public service.
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Later in life, he served as a councilman and went on to become Mayor of Huntington Beach, California, where he contributed to local governance.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: John Augustus Kelly Jr.
- Stage Name: Jack Kelly
- Born: September 16, 1927
- Date of Death: November 7, 1992 (Aged: 65 years old)
- Birthplace: Astoria Queens New York
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Actor, Politician and Real Estate Businessman
- Height: 1.85m
- Parents: John Augustus Kelly Sr., Nan Kelly
- Siblings: Nancy Kelly William Clement Kelly, Carole Kelly
- Spouse: May Wynn (m. 1956–1964) Jo Ann Smith (m. 1969–1992)
- Children: Nicole Kelly
- Relationship: Widowed
- Net Worth: $5 million
Early Life and Education
John Augustus Kelly Jr. was born on September 16, 1927, in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York.
Born into a prominent show business family, he was the son of John Augustus Kelly Sr. and Nan Kelly.
His siblings include Nancy Kelly, William Clement Kelly, and Carole Kelly.
He began his professional journey as a child model and actor, making his uncredited film debut in 1939 before attending St. John’s Military Academy.
Kelly later pursued higher education at UCLA as a law student for two years, although he briefly stepped away from the spotlight to work various odd jobs, including stints as a lifeguard and shoe salesman.
He was of Irish-American ethnicity and was raised with the Catholic faith.
Career
John Augustus Kelly Jr. began their career as a toddler, modeling for soap advertisements and appearing in Broadway plays like Swing Your Lady by the age of nine.
After serving as a weather observer in the U.S. Army during World War II, he returned to Hollywood and secured his first major film roles in the late 1940s, including Fighting Man of the Plains.
His early recognition came through a series of supporting roles in notable films such as the sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet and the war drama To Hell and Back, where he established himself as a reliable and charismatic screen presence.
His professional growth reached its zenith in 1957 when he was cast as Bart Maverick in the ABC hit series Maverick.
Initially alternating lead duties with James Garner, Kelly eventually took over the helm of the show, appearing in 83 episodes and becoming a household name across America.
Beyond his Western fame, he achieved significant success as the host of the game show Sale of the Century from 1969 to 1971 and maintained a steady stream of guest appearances on popular programs like Batman and The High Chaparral, demonstrating a rare longevity in a fickle industry.
In his later years, Kelly transitioned his focus toward real estate and local politics in Huntington Beach, California.
His impact as a civic leader was cemented during his tenure as a city councilman and his two terms as Mayor in the 1980s, where he applied his public speaking skills to benefit the community.
Even as he stepped away from major acting roles, his legacy remained strong as a “political maverick” who successfully navigated the worlds of entertainment and governance, remaining an active figure in public life until his passing in 1992.
Social Media
Jack Kelly does not have a verified social media account.
Personal Life
John Augustus Kelly Jr., who lived to be 65 years old after being born on September 16, 1927, experienced a personal life that was deeply intertwined with the Hollywood social scene.
His first marriage was to actress May Wynn in 1956, a union that lasted until 1964; he later found long-term companionship with Jo Ann Smith, whom he married in 1969 and remained with until his death.
He was the proud father of one daughter, Nicole Kelly, and often cited his family as his greatest source of joy.
Known for his adventurous spirit, he enjoyed hobbies like sailing, skin diving, and sculpting, often balancing his high-profile political duties with a relaxed lifestyle in his beloved Huntington Beach home.
Filmography
- The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939)
- Where Danger Lives (1950)
- Forbidden Planet (1956)
- Maverick (1957–1962)
- Sale of the Century (1969–1971)
- Get Christie Love! (1975)
- The Master (1984)
Net Worth
John Augustus Kelly Jr. had an estimated net worth of $5 million at the end of his career.
He earned most of it from television royalties, especially Maverick, and real estate investments through August II, Inc.
He also made money as a TV host and local politician, which helped maintain his lifestyle and support charitable work in Southern California.
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