American actor of the 1910s and 1920s. On his World War I draft registration card (dated 12 Sep 1918), he is working as a motion picture actor for the Triangle Film Co. in Culver City; in October and November 1919 issues of the film magazine Camera!, E. E. Kelly is listed among the clients of Screen Talent Representatives. When vital records and Los Angeles City Directories give an occupation, it's either actor/photoplayer or salesman (the latter on his 1923 passport application as well as the 1923 and 1928 L.A. City Directories). He was married at least twice, lastly to Bertha Roberts from 1920 to his 1933 death. He is interred in a vault at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
His death certificate (informant was a man living at the same address as him) says Kelly resided in California for 17 years (thus arriving around 1916); it gives his occupation as retired motion picture actor, and says he spent 10 years in the profession, last working in 1923. Although this alleged end date was three years prior to the filming of "A One-Mama Man," I am confident enough that he is the "E.E. Kelley" listed in the Roach studio payroll ledgers during the production of the film, not only because he is one of the few people I'm able to find who would reasonably fit that name, and the only one who happened to be an actor, but also because his wife, Bertha Roberts, also worked in the film.
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