**Paul Anthony Kelly Sets Sights on James Bond Role Amidst Rising Stardom**
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Rising star Paul Anthony Kelly has officially voiced his aspirations to become the next James Bond, adding his name to the illustrious list of actors who have taken on the iconic role. The actor, who garnered widespread recognition for his portrayal of John F. Kennedy Jr. in FX’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette,” expressed his ambitions during a recent interview with *PEOPLE*.
The 37-year-old actor made the remarks while attending the For Your Consideration event for his critically acclaimed show at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. When questioned about his dream role, Kelly was unequivocal: “I want to be James Bond,” he stated, openly sharing his desire to tackle challenging characters in complex narratives.
However, when it came to mastering a British accent—a key component for any actor hoping to don the James Bond mantle—Kelly displayed a candid sense of humour. “Absolutely not,” he jokingly replied before quickly backtracking: “No, I’m kidding. That would be amazing.” He continued, “I think everything is going to be a challenge, and that’s really what I’m after right now is good, challenging, complex, creative characters.”
Kelly’s rise to prominence is no accident. He was selected for the role of JFK Jr. after an extensive casting process that left producers scrambling for three weeks prior to the shooting date. Executive producer Brad Simpson shared insights into this search, revealing that they examined numerous male actors aged between 25 and 38 before finally settling on Kelly. Simpson recounted how one of the hair and makeup professionals at the screen test stated, “You’re crazy if you don’t cast him,” indicating that it was apparent he embodied the essence of JFK Jr.
With newfound fame, Kelly has found himself in the spotlight, grappling with the challenges that come with public scrutiny. In his interview, he acknowledged the adjustment to media attention, saying, “Yes, it really has. Doing all the press and stuff is definitely a muscle I didn’t know I had.” The actor emphasised the importance of privacy, especially now that he has welcomed his first child with wife Syd Widziszewski. The couple tied the knot in 2023 and celebrated their first anniversary earlier this year.
Reflecting on this personal milestone, Kelly expressed his profound happiness in an Instagram post dedicated to his wife, stating, “One year ago, we tied the proverbial knot… I have been the happiest and healthiest I think I’ve ever been.”
In addition to his work on “Love Story,” Kelly is set to collaborate once again with executive producer Ryan Murphy on the thirteenth season of “American Horror Story.” Although he remains tight-lipped about his character, he has shared that filming began recently and is living up to his expectations. “It’s everything I thought it would be and more,” he revealed, indicating a sense of excitement about the project while acknowledging that much of the show’s storyline remains under wraps.
As Kelly navigates the complexities of fame, parenthood, and his aspirations in acting, he continues to focus on finding fulfilling projects that challenge and stretch his abilities. Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see where his journey will lead next—and whether 007 might be in his future.
“Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” which features performances by Sarah Pidgeon, Grace Gummer, and Naomi Watts, is currently streaming on Hulu, allowing audiences to experience the star-studded tale that has catapulted Kelly into the limelight. As he continues to grow both personally and professionally, one thing remains clear: Paul Anthony Kelly is an actor to watch in the coming years.