Most Famous Kellys in the World

Plenty of well-known performers and creators share the first name Kelly, spanning pop music, rock, television, film, and behind-the-camera work. Below is a friendly, fact-packed roundup of notable Kellys whose work ranges from chart-topping hits and blockbuster roles to acclaimed independent films and influential TV. You’ll find singers, actors, directors, writers, and even a legendary athlete who became a crossover celebrity, each with a quick snapshot of why their name is known around the world.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is a multi-platinum singer who rose to fame as the inaugural winner of ‘American Idol’. She has released hit albums and singles such as ‘Since U Been Gone’ and ‘Stronger’, earning multiple Grammy Awards. Beyond music, she hosts the daytime program ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ and has served as a coach on ‘The Voice’. Her philanthropic work includes supporting education, cancer research, and disaster relief initiatives.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland first gained worldwide recognition as a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups in history. Her solo career includes global hits like ‘Dilemma’ with Nelly and ‘When Love Takes Over’ with David Guetta. She has appeared as a mentor and judge on talent series such as ‘The X Factor’ and ‘The Voice’. Rowland also acts in film and television projects and is active in children’s literacy and maternal health causes.

Kelly Ripa

Kelly Ripa is an actress and television host best known for co-hosting the morning talk show ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’. She first became widely known for her role on the daytime drama ‘All My Children’. Ripa co-runs a production company that develops scripted and unscripted projects. She is also recognized for her charitable work, including advocacy for health and arts education.

Kelly Macdonald

Kelly Macdonald is a Scottish actress noted for standout roles in films such as ‘Trainspotting’ and ‘No Country for Old Men’. On television, she earned acclaim for playing Margaret Thompson in ‘Boardwalk Empire’. She has also voiced characters in major animated features and appeared in British dramas and miniseries. Macdonald’s career spans independent cinema and high-profile studio productions.

Kelly Reilly

Kelly Reilly is an English actress widely known for portraying Beth Dutton on the hit series ‘Yellowstone’. Her film work includes roles in ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Flight’. On stage, she has appeared in prominent West End and Broadway productions. Reilly’s career reflects a mix of contemporary television drama and period pieces in film and theatre.

Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran is an American actress who became internationally known for playing Rose Tico in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel films ‘The Last Jedi’ and ‘The Rise of Skywalker’. She has also led major voice roles in animated features such as ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. Tran is active in advocacy for Asian American representation in media. Her work spans franchise blockbusters, animation, and independent projects.

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston appeared in popular films including ‘Jerry Maguire’, ‘Twins’, and ‘Gattaca’. She worked across genres, from romantic comedies to science fiction and drama. Preston’s television credits include guest roles on various series throughout her career. She was also known for charitable efforts supporting children’s health and disaster recovery.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis is best known for starring opposite Tom Cruise in ‘Top Gun’. She earned critical recognition for roles in ‘Witness’ and ‘The Accused’. McGillis has continued to act in independent films and stage productions. She has also taught acting and participated in community theatre initiatives.

Kelly Hu

Kelly Hu is an actress and former pageant winner who transitioned into film and television with roles in ‘X2: X-Men United’ and ‘The Scorpion King’. She has extensive voice acting credits in animated series and video games. On television, she has appeared in action and procedural shows. Hu supports environmental and ocean conservation causes.

Kelly LeBrock

Kelly LeBrock became a pop-culture figure in the 1980s with starring roles in ‘Weird Science’ and ‘The Woman in Red’. She later appeared in action and independent films and worked as a model and spokesperson. LeBrock has participated in documentary and reality projects that revisit her career. She supports anti-bullying and health-related charitable efforts.

Kelly Rutherford

Kelly Rutherford is best known for playing Lily van der Woodsen on ‘Gossip Girl’. She first drew attention through roles on series such as ‘Melrose Place’. Rutherford has appeared in legal and family dramas and worked in film as well. She is active in children’s advocacy and entrepreneurial projects related to wellness.

Kelly Bishop

Kelly Bishop is a Tony Award-winning actress celebrated on television for playing Emily Gilmore on ‘Gilmore Girls’. Her stage career includes leading roles in major Broadway productions. Bishop has supporting and guest roles across film and TV, often in character-driven dramas and comedies. She is recognized for contributions to both theatre and television ensembles.

Kelly Stables

Kelly Stables is an actress known for work in sitcoms and voice roles in animation. Her television credits include series such as ‘Two and a Half Men’ and ‘The Exes’. She has also performed in stage productions and independent films. Stables frequently voices characters in family and fantasy projects.

Kelly Monaco

Kelly Monaco is an actress and model best known for her long-running role on the daytime drama ‘General Hospital’. She won the first season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Monaco has appeared in primetime guest roles and hosted live events. She is also involved in fan conventions and charity fundraisers.

Kelly Reichardt

Kelly Reichardt is an acclaimed American filmmaker known for minimalist, character-focused films such as ‘Wendy and Lucy’, ‘Meek’s Cutoff’, and ‘First Cow’. Her work frequently explores the American West, friendship, and economic precarity. Reichardt teaches filmmaking and is widely cited in film studies curricula. She has received numerous festival honors and critics’ awards.

Kelly Asbury

Kelly Asbury was an animation director and writer who co-directed ‘Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron’ and ‘Shrek 2’. He later directed ‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ and other animated features. Asbury began his career as a story artist and contributed voices and artwork to various projects. His legacy includes mentorship within major animation studios.

Kelly Fremon Craig

Kelly Fremon Craig is a writer-director known for the coming-of-age film ‘The Edge of Seventeen’. She wrote and directed the adaptation ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’. Her work focuses on character-driven storytelling with a strong emphasis on authentic teen and family dynamics. Craig collaborates closely with producers and authors to develop faithful adaptations.

Kelly Marcel

Kelly Marcel is a screenwriter and filmmaker whose credits include ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ and franchise entries such as ‘Venom’. She has worked as a showrunner and script editor and is known for high-profile studio screenwriting assignments. Marcel’s career includes writing for both film and television. She also develops projects as a producer.

Kelly Osbourne

Kelly Osbourne is a television personality and singer who gained fame on the reality series ‘The Osbournes’. She has released solo music and appeared as a panelist and host on shows like ‘Fashion Police’ and ‘The Masked Singer’. Osbourne has participated in fashion and beauty ventures. She is active in charity work, including campaigns around addiction recovery and mental health.

Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater is a professional surfer widely regarded as one of the most successful athletes in the sport, with a record number of world titles. His profile extends beyond surfing through endorsements, environmental advocacy, and appearances on television programs such as ‘Baywatch’. Slater founded sustainable clothing and surf ventures. He supports ocean conservation and coastal protection initiatives.

Kelly Price

Kelly Price is a Grammy-nominated R&B and gospel singer and songwriter. She began as a backing vocalist before achieving solo success with albums that produced hit singles and collaborations. Price has appeared on music competition and reality programs and performs in televised specials. She is active in health awareness and community outreach, including initiatives focused on women’s wellness.

Share your favorite Kellys—and the roles, songs, or projects you love from them—in the comments!