David Kelly - Actor Profile

David Kelly

Acting
Freshness: Jan 23, 2026
49Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 11, 1929
Birth Place: Dublin, Ireland

About David Kelly

David Kelly (July 11, 1929 – February 12, 2012) was an Irish actor who had regular roles in several film and television works from the 1950s onwards. One of the most recognisable voices and faces of Irish stage and screen, Kelly was known for his roles as Rashers Tierney in Strumpet City, Cousin Enda in Me Mammy, the builder Mr O'Reilly in Fawlty Towers, Albert Riddle in Robin's Nest, and Grandpa Joe in the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). Another notable role was as Michael O'Sullivan in Waking Ned Devine.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of David Kelly reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 49 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of David Kelly's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 18% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), David Kelly remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best David Kelly Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from David Kelly's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of David Kelly.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2009 Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened Self / Mr O'Reilly Super Hit Similar →
2008 Gaybo Laughs Back Self Flop Similar →
2007 Stardust Guard Hit Similar →
2006 The Kovak Box Frank Kovak Average Similar →
2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Grandpa Joe Hit Similar →
2004 The Calcium Kid Paddy O'Flannagan Average Similar →
2004 Laws of Attraction Priest / Michael Average Similar →
2004 Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London Trival Average Similar →
2003 Mystics Dave Flop Similar →
2002 Puckoon O'Toole Average Similar →
2002 The Last Walter Flop Similar →
2001 Mean Machine Doc Average Similar →
2001 Greenfingers Fergus Wilks Average Similar →
2000 Ordinary Decent Criminal Fr. Grogan Average Similar →
2000 Rough for Theatre I A Flop Similar →
1998 Waking Ned Michael O'Sullivan Hit Similar →
1997 The Matchmaker O'Connor Average Similar →
1995 The Run of the Country Father Gaynor Average Similar →
1995 Moondance - Average Similar →
1994 A Man of No Importance Christy Ward Average Similar →
1992 Into the West Grandfather Average Similar →
1988 Joyriders Daniel Flop Similar →
1986 Pirates Surgeon Average Similar →
1985 Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1984 Anne Devlin Dr Trevor Flop Similar →
1983 The Comedy of Errors Balthazar Average Similar →
1983 The Jigsaw Man Cameron Flop Similar →
1983 Red Monarch Sergo Flop Similar →
1982 The Hunchback of Notre Dame Tavernkeeper Average Similar →
1978 The Light Princess Oracle (voice) Hit Similar →
1978 The Legion Hall Bombing Judge Flop Similar →
1977 A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Dean of Studies Average Similar →
1977 The Purple Taxi Little Person Average Similar →
1976 The Next Man Chauffeur in Ireland Flop Similar →
1975 Philadelphia, Here I Come Conan O'Byrne Hit Similar →
1975 The Statue and the Rose Archbishop Flop Similar →
1974 Fugitive Mark Flop Similar →
1974 The Virgins Cloggy Moore Flop Similar →
1973 Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width Murphy Average Similar →
1970 The McKenzie Break Adjutant Average Similar →
1970 Young Man in Trouble Joe Flop Similar →
1970 Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx Maguire Flop Similar →
1969 The Italian Job Vicar Hit Similar →
1967 Ulysses Garrett Deasy Average Similar →
1966 Billy Budd - Flop Similar →
1964 Girl with Green Eyes Ticket collector Hit Similar →
1962 The Quare Fellow Reception Clerk Flop Similar →
1958 Dublin Nightmare Customer Average Similar →
1956 The Wrong Man Policeman (uncredited) Hit Similar →

David Kelly - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of David Kelly?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Kelly is "Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has David Kelly acted in?

David Kelly has been featured in at least 49 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by David Kelly?

Other notable films include "Stardust", "The Wrong Man", and "Waking Ned".