Discover What Brett Kelly Is Doing Now: From Child Star To 'Family Law' Actor

Many folks, you know, still fondly recall the mischievous yet sweet Thurman Merman from the classic holiday movie, Bad Santa. That character, so iconic, was brought to life by a young actor named Brett Kelly. It’s only natural, really, to wonder what became of that kid with the instantly recognizable face as time went on. People often ask, what is Brett Kelly up to now?

Well, it's a good question, and one that, frankly, many have tried to figure out. Brett has, in a way, always kept a rather private life, especially when it comes to the public eye. He isn't one for, say, constant updates on social media, which makes keeping tabs on his journey a bit of a challenge for fans and followers alike.

However, we do have some interesting updates about his life and his return to acting. From his early days as a child performer to his current roles, Brett Kelly’s path has, you know, been quite unique. We’ll explore where he lives, what he’s working on, and some other details about his life right now.

Brett Kelly: A Look at His Life and Career
- Early Life and Beginnings
- Personal Details
From Thurman Merman to Today: His Acting Path
Beyond the Camera: Life Outside Acting
Frequently Asked Questions About Brett Kelly

Brett Kelly: A Look at His Life and Career

Brett Kelly, the actor, has a story that, you know, captures the imagination of many who watched him grow up on screen. His journey in the film industry, spanning several decades, has been, actually, quite something. People who remember his early work are often curious about his activities today. It's a natural thing to wonder about, seeing someone from your childhood entertainment still making their way.

Early Life and Beginnings

Brett Edward Kelly first came into the world on October 30, 1993, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This Canadian actor, you know, started his career at a young age, making a name for himself in some memorable films. His roots are, basically, very much in Canada, a place he continues to call home.

His early roles, in fact, set the stage for what would become a career that, in some respects, has seen him step back and then return to the spotlight. The path of a child actor can be, arguably, quite varied, and Brett's story shows a unique progression through the years. He was, to be honest, just a kid when he first gained widespread attention.

Personal Details

For those interested in the specifics of Brett Kelly's life, here is a quick overview of some details, as a matter of fact, that are known:

Detail	Information
Full Name	Brett Edward Kelly
Date of Birth	October 30, 1993
Current Age	31 years old (as of May 2025)
Place of Birth	Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Current Residence	Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Height	5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
Known For	Bad Santa (2003), Bad Santa 2 (2016), Unaccompanied Minors (2006), Family Law (2021-Present)
Social Media	None known publicly

It's interesting to note that, you know, despite his public profession, Brett maintains a very private personal life. He has no social media accounts, which, in a way, makes it hard to keep track of his daily activities. This choice, actually, sets him apart from many public figures today.

From Thurman Merman to Today: His Acting Path

Brett Kelly’s acting career has, truly, been a journey with distinct phases. From the early days of childhood stardom to his more recent work, he has shown a capacity for different kinds of roles. It’s a progression that, you know, many fans have enjoyed watching unfold.

The Iconic Role in Bad Santa

The film that, you know, truly put Brett Kelly on the map was Bad Santa, released in 2003. He played Thurman Merman, a character that, for many, became instantly memorable. Brett starred opposite Billy Bob Thornton in this dark comedy, a role he took on when he was only eight years old, which is pretty young.

His portrayal of Thurman, the innocent "kid" who befriends Willie Soke, the vulgar Santa, left a lasting impression. People, as a matter of fact, still recognize him as "the kid" from that cult classic, especially around December every year. That, really, speaks to the impact of his performance at such a young age. He spoke fondly of Billy Bob Thornton, too, despite the character's nature in the film.

Returning to the Screen: Bad Santa 2 and Other Works

After the initial success of Bad Santa, Brett continued to act in other projects, including Unaccompanied Minors in 2006. Then, nearly thirteen years later, he reprised his role as Thurman in Bad Santa 2, which came out in 2016. This return, you know, was a big deal for fans of the original film.

For the second part of the film, Brett, actually, had to gain a significant amount of weight, nearly 55 pounds, in just four months. That, you know, shows a real dedication to his craft. Fans were able to see his transformation from a child actor to a performer with more range in this series. It was, quite frankly, a noticeable change for many viewers.

Stepping into the Limelight: Family Law

In recent years, Brett Kelly has, you know, stepped back into the limelight in a more consistent way. He landed a gig as Cecil Patterson, a paralegal, in the Global drama series Family Law. This show, which is currently airing on ABC, features a group of flawed family members who, sort of, reluctantly work together at their father's law firm.

Brett, now 31 as of May 2025, plays a recurring character in this Canadian legal drama. The second season of Family Law, by the way, premiered on July 7, 2023. His role as Cecil Patterson allows him to show a different side of his acting abilities, moving into more dramatic territory. This, you know, is a chance for viewers to see him in a new light, beyond his comedic child roles. You can learn more about Family Law on our site.

This role, you know, has brought him back into regular television viewing, allowing a wider audience to see his current work. It's a significant part of what Brett Kelly is doing now, and it shows his ongoing commitment to acting. He is, actually, getting ready to start filming more, which is good news for those who follow his career.

Beyond the Camera: Life Outside Acting

While his acting roles are what bring him public recognition, Brett Kelly’s life outside of the camera, you know, has also been a path of personal growth and, in some ways, a return to a more ordinary existence. He has, apparently, made choices that reflect a desire for a balanced life.

Education and Personal Choices

Since his time in Bad Santa, Kelly has, you know, lived a fairly normal life. He went to high school, which is, obviously, a common experience for many. He then used the money he earned from his acting career to attend university. This shows, in a way, a focus on education and personal development beyond just acting.

He, you know, drives a 10. This detail, though brief, points to aspects of his daily routine. It's clear that he values a certain level of normalcy, even with his acting background. His current residence is in Surrey, British Columbia, which is, actually, where he lives. This choice of location keeps him grounded in his home province.

Brett is, you know, always versatile and professional in any performance situation. This includes, apparently, stand-up comedy, comedy songs, MC roles, public speaking, or acting. This range of skills suggests a person who enjoys performing in various formats, not just on screen. It's a pretty broad set of talents, really.

A Surprise Appearance: Jeopardy!

Fans were, you know, in for a treat when Brett Kelly made a surprise appearance on the popular game show Jeopardy! Viewers were buzzing about his appearance ahead of Wednesday, October 23’s episode. This, actually, caused quite a stir among those who recognized him.

On that Wednesday, viewers were, in fact, forced to do a double take when Brett Kelly appeared on the small screen opposite Ken Jennings. It was, basically, a moment that highlighted his instantly recognizable face from his earlier work. This appearance on a quiz show, you know, added another interesting chapter to his public life. You can also see his results for Jeopardy.

His participation in Jeopardy! showed a different side of him, away from his acting roles. It was, essentially, a chance for people to see Brett Kelly as himself, rather than as a character. This kind of public engagement, you know, is something fans often appreciate.

Staying Grounded

Despite his early fame and his return to television, Brett Kelly seems to maintain a life that, you know, is quite grounded. He has, as a matter of fact, avoided the intense public scrutiny that often comes with being a child star. His lack of social media presence is, really, a big part of this.

He still gets recognized, especially around the holiday season, as "the kid" from Bad Santa. This level of recognition, you know, shows the lasting impact of his early work. But he continues to live in the Guildford area of Surrey, British Columbia, pursuing his acting career while also, apparently, living a life that is, in many respects, quite ordinary.

His journey, you know, from a child actor to starring in renowned series, shows a person who has, basically, come a long way. He is, actually, still acting, and people still recognize him, which is, you know, a pretty cool thing. His story is, in a way, one of steady perseverance and a preference for privacy.

Brett Kelly's path, you know, is a reminder that some actors choose to step away from the constant glare of the spotlight. He has, in fact, managed to carve out a career that allows him to pursue his passion while maintaining a personal life that, for the most part, stays out of public view. This balance, you know, is something many people might admire.

His current work on Family Law, and his past roles, demonstrate a range of talent. He is, basically, a performer who can bring different characters to life, from the innocent Thurman to the paralegal Cecil. This, you know, is a testament to his abilities as an actor, showing that he is capable of more than just one type of role. It's a good thing, really, to see him continue to grow in his craft.

The fact that he, you know, went to university and has a varied skill set beyond just acting speaks volumes. It shows a person who has, in some ways, prepared for different possibilities in life. This kind of forward thinking, you know, is often a mark of someone who understands the ups and downs of the entertainment business. It's a pretty smart approach, actually.

So, when people ask about Brett Kelly now, the answer is, he is living in Surrey, British Columbia, continuing his acting work, particularly in Family Law, and, you know, maintaining a life that values privacy. He is, truly, an actor who has grown up in the public eye but has, in fact, managed to keep a firm grasp on his own personal space. This, you know, is a rare feat in today's world.

His journey, you know, serves as an interesting example of how child actors can transition into adult roles while still maintaining a sense of self. It's a path that, in many respects, requires resilience and a clear idea of what one wants from life. Brett Kelly, it seems, has found that balance, which is, honestly, quite impressive. You can find more details about his past work on reputable film databases like IMDb.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brett Kelly

Here are some common questions people have about Brett Kelly, the actor:

What is Brett Kelly doing these days?

Brett Kelly, you know, is currently acting in the drama series Family Law, where he plays a paralegal named Cecil Patterson. He lives in Surrey, British Columbia, and, actually, maintains a private life without social media. He is, basically, still active in the entertainment world.

Who does Brett Kelly play in "Family Law"?

In the drama series Family Law, Brett Kelly, you know, plays the character of Cecil Patterson. Cecil is, in fact, a paralegal at the law firm where the show's main family members work. This role, actually, marks his return to a recurring part on television.

Did Brett Kelly from "Bad Santa" appear on Jeopardy?

Yes, he did! Brett Kelly, you know, made an appearance as a contestant on Jeopardy! on a Wednesday, October 23 episode. Viewers were, actually, quite surprised and, in a way, happy to see him on the game show. It was, basically, a memorable moment for many fans.

About – Brett Kelly

Details

Brett Kelly – Movies, Bio and Lists on MUBI