24: Legacy’s Bill Kelly Talks Paul Vernon, ‘Bloodline,’ and More [Exclusive Interview]

Actor Bill Kelly couldn’t pass up the chance to be a part of the 24 franchise.

Kelly, who had a long career in radio before getting into acting, has appeared on such shows as Halt and Catch Fire, Ballers, and Bloodline. Now, he plays Paul Vernon on the new Fox series,  24: Legacy.

I had a few questions for Kelly about his role on 24: Legacy, his career change, and more.

Tell-Tale TV: You got your start in radio, correct? What made you want to switch gears and get into acting?

Kelly: Radio is acting, in a way, as you are always ‘positive’ when you are on the air…never showing if you’re a bad mood. The old saying was, “Hang your problems outside the door when you come in the studio.”

I’d always wanted to be an actor, so when I saw a fax come in about open auditions at the FSU Film School, I jumped at the chance to do it.

Tell-Tale TV: You currently play Officer Paul Vernon on 24: Legacy. What drew you want to want to be a part of that show?

Kelly: I have been a huge fan of the 24 franchise from minute one, so I was thrilled when the news broke that they were bringing it back with 24: Legacy. That ‘tick-tock’ is in my blood! I own all of the seasons on DVD and even have some cool stuff from earlier shows.

Tell-Tale TV: Do you have a favorite episode of 24: Legacy so far?

Kelly: The ones I was in, for starters, but probably Episode 4. Without giving any spoilers, I actually felt anxious at the end of that one. Couldn’t WAIT to see the next episode!

Tell-Tale TV: What would you say is the most challenging thing about working on this show?

Kelly: Keeping the energy at the max. This show is in high-gear from minute one.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything you can tease about upcoming episodes?

Kelly: Nope, mainly because I have no idea what’s coming. I’m a fan, along for the wild ride just like everyone else.

Tell-Tale TV: Can you tell us a bit about what it’s like behind the scenes?

Kelly: A lot of fun. This cast and crew are just an awesome group of people to be around.

Tell-Tale TV: You also starred on the Netflix original series, Bloodline. How is 24: Legacy different from that experience?

Kelly: Both were fantastic to be a part of! Bloodline is a “simmer to boil” type of show where it builds to a fever pitch with a ton of WTF moments. 24: Legacy is a “now we’re cooking with gas” show that stomps on the throttle from the very start and doesn’t let up. Both are great shows where you can’t WAIT to see the next episode!

Tell-Tale TV: If you could work with anyone on TV, who would it be and why?

Kelly: No surprises here, Norman Reedus and cast of the The Walking Dead. I live vicariously through a group of friends who are or have been on the show! I would also like to be a part of Stranger Things on Netflix. This is Us is amazing…

Timeless would be great, too, as I’m a huge history buff, and that show is awesome. There are too many great shows out there that I would love to be a part of. I would really like to experience being a series regular on a great show. That’s a goal of mine.

Be sure to catch Bill Kelly on 24: Legacy, airing Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.

*Featured image credit: Kristia Knowles Photography

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