Donna Kelce, mother of Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce, is set to make her acting debut after joining the cast of an upcoming NFL-affiliated romantic comedy due for release this Christmas.
The 71-year-old has unintentionally become a household name in recent years as the devoted mum to American football’s most famous sibling duo – Travis and his older brother Jason.
Her fame skyrocketed when her younger son started dating Taylor Swift. Now, the former bank industry worker is preparing to grace the big screen.
She will be starring alongside leads Hunter King and Tyler Hynes in Hallmark’s “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story”. The film revolves around a Chiefs fan trying to win a Fan of the Year contest – based on Kelce’s romance with Swift. Donna will be playing a restaurant manager in the movie, which will be shot at various locations in Missouri.
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In a statement announcing the upcoming film, Hallmark said: “Donna Kelce is off the bleachers and in the game, joining the cast of Hallmark’s Countdown To Christmas movie, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. Kelce will play Donna, the manager of the Kansas City barbecue Restaurant Norma and Nic’s.”
The Hallmark Channel excitedly announced on Instagram : “Look who’s joining @hunterking and @tyler_hynes in #HolidayTouchdown: A @Chiefs Love Story! Please welcome America’s football mom @donnakelce to the cast. Don’t miss the world premiere later this year during #CountdownToChristmas.”
Fans were thrilled about the news, with one commenting: “Mama Kelce in a Hallmark Christmas movie just makes sense. Couldn’t be more ready for it,” and another adding: “Stop it right now! This @hallmarkchannel + @chiefs pairing just keeps getting better! Mama Kelce is a star. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about a Hallmark Christmas film.”
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Donna Kelce has previously spoken to Us Weekly about her newfound fame thanks to her sons’ achievements and her link to Taylor Swift, saying: “Basically, everybody’s been very, very kind and respectful. Every once in a while, I’ll have somebody that runs into the bathroom after me, and I’m like, ‘Can we wait until we get out of here before you take my picture? ‘”.
Her future co-stars are also looking forward to having her on board, with Tyler Hynes remarking: “It really felt like it was a no-brainer. There’s something about the two brands. The two fandoms are so paralleled and similar in their passion and their purity for what they love. Coming together seemed perfect.”
Meanwhile, King was buzzing with excitement about her role in the film, sharing: “I was just so excited. Watching this collaboration unfold and seeing everyone else’s excitement made my excitement even more heightened than it already was.”