Wellington actor Desmond Kelly was a late developer in his present profession. After gaining a science degree he worked as a geologist before becoming a teacher. He spent 25 years in education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels working in Wellington, Auckland and and Fiji.

At the end of 1977 he gave up his job as senior lecturer and head of the social studies department at Wellington Teachers' College to become an actor. He began working at Downstage Theatre and also appeared at Circa and Bats theatres.

He had a small role in the film Sons for the Return Home. He appeared in Close to Home and has been in almost constant demand for film work with roles in Bad Blood, Smash Palace and Scarecrow. More television work followed.