Jo Kelly

Jo Kelly's insightful book, The Truth about Being an Extra: How to Become a Good Background Actor, is creative, informative, entertaining, and revealing. The book is a must-have for actors, and it uncovers the scams and pitfalls that often happen to those who aspire to take walk-on, background roles in movies, television, and commercials, when they register with casting agencies. Whether the acting roles are seasonal, fill-ins for award shows, or walk-ons for bigger venues, hidden risks often sour first-timers on the craft.

Kelly provides straightforward advice to new and seasoned actors with in-the-trenches stories from her own experiences as a background actor. She offers valuable tips for landing background acting jobs, finding legitimate casting agencies, and getting everything "right" for your first day on the set. The book includes casting agency recommendations and realistic insights for parents whose children are entering the acting arena.

Jo Kelly is a veteran movie extra and the widow of Jack Kelly, who co-starred with James Garner in Maverick, the popular television series that ran from 1957-1962. For the past several years, while enjoying her acting career, she has conducted Background Actors Seminars.