Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly (February 14, 1931 – February 12, 2005) was an American actor and producer widely known for his role as Porter Ricks, the widowed father of two sons on the NBC television series Flipper.

Early years

Kelly was born in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Republican governor of Michigan Harry F. Kelly (who was also chief justice of Michigan's Supreme Court). His nephew (sister's son) is actor Brian d'Arcy James. He was of Irish descent.

Kelly attended St. Mary High School and ABC's Straightaway (1961-1962) with John Ashley.

In 1964, Kelly took over the Chuck Connors role from the 1963 family film Flipper, playing Porter Ricks, Chief Warden at Coral Key Park and Marine Preserve and recently widowed father of Sandy Ricks (Luke Halpin) in the 1964 sequel Flipper's New Adventure. He continued the role in the family-oriented action and adventure television program Flipper that same year. In the TV series, Porter would also have a second son, Bud (Tommy Norden). Kelly was quoted at the time as saying that he loved the role because of its family-friendly qualities. The success of Flipper, which was filmed in Miami and the Bahamas, led to a brief movie career, including a lead in Around the World Under the Sea (1966).

In 1970, Kelly sought to change his image by playing the role of Robin Stone in The Love Machine, based on the novel by Jacqueline Susann. Just prior to filming, he was involved in a motorcycle accident which left his right arm and leg paralyzed. John Phillip Law took over the role. Kelly—whom Susann had called "the perfect Robin Stone"—won a legal settlement in the case but the accident ended his acting career.

He used money from the settlement to build homes and then to produce films. He served as executive producer of Blade Runner (1982) In 1972, he married Valerie Ann Romero.

On February 12, 2005, two days before his 74th birthday, Kelly died of pneumonia in Voorhees, New Jersey. He was survived by his daughter, Hallie, and his son, Devon, and extended family including two brothers, two sisters, and a granddaughter.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1963 Thunder Island Vincent Dodge 1964 Flipper's New Adventure Porter Ricks 1966 Around the World Under the Sea Dr. Craig Mosby 1968 Shoot, Gringo... Shoot! Chad Stark 1982 Blade Runner N/A Executive Producer

Television Year Title Role Notes 1958 Panic! Randy Burke Episode: "Fingerprints" Flight Episode: "Mercy Commando" 1959 21 Beacon Street Brian 13 episodes Adventures in Paradise Captain Rivers Episode: "The Haunted" 1960 Insight Father Bergen Episode: "Fisher of Men" 1961–1962 Straightaway Scott Ross Series regular, one season (26 episodes) 1963 The Beverly Hillbillies 2nd Policeman / Officer Kelly 2 episodes 1964–1967 Flipper Porter Ricks Nominated-TV Land Award for Favorite Pet-Human Relationship (2003) 1970 Drive Hard, Drive Fast Mark Driscoll TV movie Company of Killers Nick Andros TV movie Paul Strand TV movie, (final film role)