But fate had other things in mind for Kelli, however, and two weeks after her arrival in Manhattan, landed a leading role on the daytime drama RYAN'S HOPE, playing "Kimberly," an evil, 'Lolita'-esque adolescent. As a result of her performance, Kelli was featured on the cover of People Magazine and got to work along side acting legend Joan Fontaine. Her domination over daytime TV continued with her role as vengeful sex kitten 'Tina' on ONE LIFE TO LIVE.
It was just a matter of time before Kelli’s dream of acting in film would become a reality. Her talent to play characters drawn to the unexpected whose heroic impulses are hidden beneath an angelic visage made her a perfect film actor for any genre.
She quickly scored roles in both major and independent films, beginning with SLAYGROUND (starring Peter Coyote), playing a psychotic nymphet. This led to the ensemble classic FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (dir. Amy Heckerling, writer Cameron Crowe, starring Sean Penn et al) where she was memorable as Cindy, the cheerleader with a heart.
Next came the hit NIGHT OF THE COMET (dir. Thom Eberhardt) which garnered 'two thumbs up' from Siskel and Ebert, and a prediction from New York Times critic Vincent Canby that Kelli had "a sure future in action comedy." The film has since become a world wide cult favorite. Showing an uncommon versatility, Kelli was next seen in SERVANTS OF TWIGHLIGHT opposite Bruce Greenwood and MIDNIGHT WITNESS opposite Jan-Michael Vincent. THE ZERO BOYS, a horror thriller featuring up-and-coming filmmaker Frank Darabonbt (The Green Mile) on the crew and Stephen
Never to limit herself, Kelli moved into the real-life role of film producer as well as actor of the short film ‘sam and mike’ (1999) with writer/actor Suzanne Krull (The Next Best Thing, How the Grinch Stole Christmas). The cast includes Bo Eason (Miami Rhapsody) and James Rebello (Detroit Rock City) and captured a Best American Short award at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival as well as Best Director at the Atlantic City Film Festival.
Kelli also starred in another festival film, this time for story board artist/director Paul Power (Top Gun, The Mummy) and Harold Hopkins (Gallipoli) entitled I JUST DRAW.
As adept on the legitimate stage as she is on film, Kelli created the role of stripper Brandy in the long running hit PINK (by Allison Adams) at the Renegade Theater, which was a Los Angeles Times 'Pick of the Weekend,' and took over for Carrie Ann Moss (The Matrix) in OUTWARD BOUND, a 1940's period piece at the Hudson Backstage. But of all her stage work, Kelli's favorite is still her turn as Marilyn Monroe for Norman Mailer in the development of his stage play STRAWHEAD.
Kelli's talent and versatility also extends to improv where she honed her skill at the legendary GROUNDLINGS in Los Angeles. She also studied with respected acting coach Cameron Thor.
Today, Kelli is as busy as ever, continuing to pursue a wide variety of intense and challenging roles both in front of and behind the camera. Look for Kelli’s projects, NIGHTMARE CARNIVAL and SHADOWLAND, both of which she will not only star, but produce, and the kids show SNUGGYBEAR© AND THE T-SHIRT KIDS©, where she will be voicing one of the Toon Groupies©, an animated segment of the show.
Kelli Maroney is just beginning the next chapter in her professional life adding to her already amazing career.
