NFL player Travis Kelce is not only a valuable teammate on the field but also a supportive partner behind the scenes in Hollywood. Actress Sonequa Martin-Green shared that Kelce was one of the original financiers of her film My Dear Friend Zoe, which debuted at SXSW in March. Kelce’s involvement was to support veterans, and Martin-Green hopes that his role as executive producer will help bring more attention to the film and its message of saving lives.
Aside from his involvement in Hollywood, Kelce has been successful on the football field as a Super Bowl champion at the age of 34. Currently, he is in a relationship with Grammy winner Taylor Swift, and the pair are making plans to attend Coachella. Kelce’s dedication to supporting veterans was evident in his decision to become involved in Martin-Green’s film, showing his commitment to meaningful projects beyond football.
Directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, My Dead Friend Zoe is a dark comedy that follows the story of a female Afghanistan veteran and her relationships with her dead best friend from the Army and her estranged Vietnam veteran grandfather. Hausmann-Stokes, a former U.S. Army veteran who received a Bronze Star in Iraq, was touched by Kelce’s decision to be part of the film. While Kelce may be more known for his football prowess, his support for the military and veterans has been longstanding and impactful.
Kelce’s involvement in the film has brought added limelight and energy to the project, and it is hoped that this will help reach a broader audience. The film also features a talented cast including Natalie Morales, Morgan Freeman, and Ed Harris. Through this project, Hausmann-Stokes aims to challenge the industry’s perception of veterans as being uncreative or lacking artistic talents, highlighting the diversity and capacity for creativity within the veteran community. By showcasing the artistic contributions of veterans like Kelce, Hausmann-Stokes hopes to change the narrative around veterans in Hollywood.
Travis Kelce’s commitment to supporting veterans and his involvement in My Dead Friend Zoe has not only brought attention to the film but also helped change perceptions about veterans in the industry. Director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, who also served in the military, is grateful for Kelce’s support and the positive impact it has had on the project. With a talented cast and Kelce’s added energy, the film is poised to reach a wider audience and shed light on the creative potential of veterans. Through projects like this, Hollywood is slowly beginning to recognize and appreciate the artistic contributions of veterans like Kelce.
