Greg Kelsey

William Gregory Kelsall (1893–1967), known by the stage name Greg Kelsey, was an English born actor and entertainer who gained fame in the US in the 1930s and 1940s.

Early life and education William Gregory Kelsall, known to family and friends as "Greg," was born in Stoke-on-Trent on 6 January 1893. He was the eldest son of William Kelsall (b. 1870) and Emma Kelsall (née Bowcock, b. 1867). His father William Kelsall was a professional vocalist and was subsequently to emigrate to Canada and New York to become an actor, taking the name of William Calvert.

Greg was educated at St. Mary's Catholic Primary School in Leek, Staffordshire and took his first turn at acting under the tutelage of the nuns at the school. shortly before emigrating on his own to Canada.

Career

Kelsall departed for North America from Liverpool on 8 May 1913 aboard "the Corsican" steamship, aged only 20 years. His occupation was listed as "labourer". The ship was bound for Montréal in Québec.

After working initially in manual labour, Kelsall was introduced through his father to Mr Henry Duffy, one of America's leading producers, whose company he joined at Montréal. He was then trained under Henry Dixey, a famous international comedian of the American stage. Around this time, he began to be known by his pseudonym "Greg Kelsey". After that he went into partnership, with his act being known as O'Neill and Kelsey.

Upon arrival in New York in 1925, Kelsey received an offer came from Shubert Theatre (New York City) and as a result he signed a contract to play in the noted musical Blossom Time opposite Eugene Leontivich wife of Gregory Ratoff, the Metro Goldwyn Mayer Director. As USA recovered under President Franklin D. Roosevelt Kelsey returned to the Broadway stage. Between 1934 and 1946 he entertained President Roosevelt, broadcast with Bing Crosby and the Easy Access and made pictures in Hollywood.

Kelsey was called up to serve in the US Army in 1942 in World War II. and then in 1947 to visit family and to explore various offers in the nascent television industry.

Death Kelsey died on 2 July 1967 at Memorial Hospital, New York. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery North Arlington.

Legacy Kelsey's daughter Ena Kelsall married prominent Big Band jazz musician Arthur Rollini, brother of Adrian Rollini.

Footnotes