Ryan Murphy’s upcoming horror thriller Grotesquerie stars Emmy-winning actress Niecy Nash Bates, who also worked with him on Netflix’s Dahmer. However, one major cameo is garnering attention – none other than Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is making his acting debut!
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Nash Bates revealed that she was impressed with the NFL star’s dedication and work ethic. “He wanted to make sure that he studied hard, that he was well prepared. He took notes, and I think he did a really good job. I really think so,” she said. When a new cast member works with a highly acclaimed actor, there’s always a lot to learn.
The actress proudly confessed that she guided Kelsey throughout the shooting of the show. “I put her under my tutelage,” she told the outlet. The actress revealed that she would instruct her to “try this or that” and practice dialogues with her during lunch hours, and Kelsey would happily do so.
It seems that the NFL star’s “humble” nature helped him bring his character to life, as the actress claims that “he comes across beautifully on camera.” Previously, the Reno 911! actress posted videos of herself and Kelsey, joking that they were giving off Whitney Houston and The Bodyguard vibes. When asked if their characters on the show would give off similar vibes, she said, “No. Absolutely not,” but she also said that working with Kelsey was super fun.
In addition to the three-time Super Bowl winner, the cast also includes Courtney B. Vance as Nash Bates, the husband of Detective Lois Tryon, and Raven Goodwin as Tryon’s daughter. Nicholas Chavez as Father Charlie and Lesley Manville as Nurse Red also round out the cast.
Nash Bates joked that Vance “has played her husband once or twice on other TV shows.” However, their relationship is different on this show. They are a family whose unresolved issues play out against the backdrop of crimes. “That’s something she’s dealing with,” the actress said.
Grotesquerie , which follows Detective Lois Tryon’s mission to solve a mysterious yet gruesome murder, premieres September 25 on Hulu.