Jade
Kirby Ellwood is an actress on the rise, making waves in the ever-evolving world of entertainment. Recognised for her breathtaking performances and compelling screen presence, Kirby has become a standout talent in the burgeoning genre of vertical mini-series—films tailored for mobile-first audiences. With her dynamic roles and a journey rooted in determination, she is quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most promising talents.
Kirby first gained widespread recognition for her captivating performance in Final Call for Love, a Kalos TV and Mini Shorts production. The TV mini-series, which amassed over 22 million views, follows the dramatic story of June Carter (played by Kirby), whose decade-long romance with airline captain Adrian spirals after a rushed marriage and surprise pregnancy. The series’ shocking twists and emotional depth captivated audiences, and Kirby’s portrayal of June solidified her as a leading talent in drama. Reacting to the series’ success in a TikTok video with over 536K views, Kirby expressed gratitude and disbelief at the outpouring of love for her work.
Now, Kirby is set to star in Straight A Pregnancy, a juicy drama premiering on ReelShort on December 10th. In this series, she plays Kelsey, a straight-A student whose life takes an unexpected turn after a one-night stand with Ben, the campus heartthrob. As Kelsey navigates the complexities of an unplanned pregnancy, audiences are left to wonder: will Ben mature into fatherhood or remain a carefree frat boy? The highly anticipated series is poised to be another major success for Kirby.
Kirby’s path to acting began humbly in Cleveland, Ohio, where she grew up in a small rural town. Her early exposure to the arts came in high school theater, with her first major role in the play Check Please. However, it wasn’t until she attended Kent State University as an interior design major that she discovered her true calling. A single acting class sparked a passion for storytelling, leading Kirby to book her first roles in a 10-minute play and a short film.
Determined to hone her craft, Kirby studied at the Houde School of Acting under Jessica Morris Houde, where she learned Meisner techniques and improv. Her journey later took her to Los Angeles in 2020, where she trained under John Markland at The Markland Studios. There, Kirby developed a talent for creating emotionally rich characters, a skill that has defined her acting style.
With over 30 acting credits to her name, Kirby has become a prolific presence in the mini-series format, starring in popular projects such as How to Divorce a Billionaire, The Double Life of Mr. President, Single Dad Hunt, and The Billionaire’s Baby Bargain. She also had a memorable moment in 80 FOR BRADY, a testament to her growing versatility.
Kirby’s upcoming projects promise even more intrigue, with roles in How to Kill a Vampire and The Casanova Killer: The Paul John Knowles Story, showcasing her ability to tackle both dramatic and dark, thrilling narratives.
When she’s not on set, Kirby channels her creativity into painting abstract, textured art that reflects the emotional depth she brings to her roles. A lover of movement and exploration, she enjoys singing, ice skating, rock climbing, ballet, gymnastics, horseback riding, and modern dance. Despite the hustle of acting, Kirby prioritizes balance and self-care, finding peace through yoga, mindful walks, and a healthy pescatarian lifestyle.
Kirby Ellwood’s journey from Cleveland to Hollywood is a story of talent, perseverance, and unyielding passion. Her ability to connect with audiences, whether through her roles or her genuine online presence, sets her apart as an actress poised for long-term success. As she continues to captivate viewers with her performances, Kirby is solidifying her status as a rising star in vertical mini-series and beyond.
With her remarkable talent and grounded perspective, Kirby Ellwood is proving that the future of entertainment isn’t just about the stories we tell but the ways we connect—and she’s doing both beautifully.
Your role as June Carter in Final Call for Love resonated with millions of viewers. How did you prepare emotionally for such a layered and heartfelt character?
I focused on staying open and allowing myself to fully feel all the emotions June was experiencing at every step of her journey. Deep down, June believed Adrian would rediscover his love for her and that hope guided her actions. I think she carried a quiet optimism, even in the most challenging moments, until she finally realized what she truly wanted and who she wanted to become. That arc of self-discovery made her such a fulfilling character to portray.
In the upcoming Straight A Pregnancy, you tackle a story about a young woman navigating an unexpected pregnancy. What drew you to this role, and what do you hope audiences take away from Kelsey’s journey?
I grew up watching shows like Greek and The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and I’d always wanted to take on a role like this. I was so excited when the opportunity came along—it felt like a dream come true! The story is so well-written, and I fell in love with Kelsey and Ben’s dynamic. I hope audiences take away that life can throw you curveballs, but it’s about making the best of the cards you’re dealt. Things might not go as planned, but sometimes the unexpected turns out even better than you imagined.
Mini-series like Final Call for Love and Straight A Pregnancy have become a huge trend. What’s it like working in this fast-paced format, and how does it challenge you as an actor?
I’ve grown to love the fast pace, even though it’s challenging! As a lead, you’re constantly on the go—from makeup and wardrobe to blocking and filming back-to-back scenes. Sometimes scripts come in last minute, so you have to get really good at memorizing dialogue quickly and making fast, confident decisions. Plus, directors often want one or two takes max, so you need to adapt quickly to direction. It keeps you on your toes and sharpens your skills as an actor.
Your one-liner in 80 for Brady was memorable. How did it feel to be part of a project with such legendary actresses, and what did you learn from that experience?
It was such a surreal and inspiring experience to be around these incredible women I’ve admired for so long. One big takeaway was that taking chances and doing something purely for fun is okay. Even if you’re nervous, don’t let fear hold you back—it’s part of what makes the work so rewarding.
You’ve acted in everything from romantic dramas to true-crime mini-series like Gacy: Serial Killer Next Door. How do you approach creating authentic and distinct characters across such varied genres?
For me, it all starts with understanding the world the character lives in and their circumstances. From there, I dive into their emotional state and let that guide my choices. Each character somehow feels like an extension of myself, so I try to find personal connections to make them feel authentic and relatable.
You’ve worked hard to hone your craft, from studying at Kent State to training under Jessica Morris Houde and John Markland. How has your training shaped your approach to storytelling and acting?
Jessica gave me an incredible foundation by teaching me to live truthfully within the character and be vulnerable in the moment—not just with my emotions but with my scene partners. John helped me dig deeper, exploring what’s beneath the character’s surface and finding ways to connect their experiences to mine. Together, these approaches have helped me create grounded, emotionally rich performances.
Balancing acting with various day jobs before your rise to fame must have been challenging. What kept you motivated during those early days, and how does that journey shape your perspective now?
I kept reminding myself that every job, even the odd ones, was a step closer to my goal. I saw every opportunity as a chance to meet people in the industry, build connections, and collaborate creatively. Changing my mindset to focus on the positives really kept me going. That journey taught me resilience and gratitude, which continue to shape how I approach my career today.
With How to Kill a Vampire and The Casanova Killer: The Paul John Knowles Story on the horizon, what excites you most about these upcoming projects, and where do you see your career heading next?
I’m so excited about these projects and can’t wait for everyone to see them! Looking ahead, I’m eager to break into TV shows—I’m definitely planning to push for that next year. I’d also love to star in Hallmark movies since I grew up watching them, and they always left me feeling warm and happy. It would be amazing to create that same feeling for others. Overall, I’m open to all opportunities, and as long as I’m working with wonderful people and continuing to grow, I’ll be thrilled with wherever this journey takes me.
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