On-screen, Michael Kelly may be known for his dark and intense portrayal of Doug Stamper in House of Cards (2013-2018), but at home, he’s a completely different character—one that his wife, Karyn Kelly, and their kids, Franke and Clinton, adore.
Back in 2017, in an interview with The New York Times, he shared a glimpse into his family life. For the actor, Sundays are all about family fun, and he makes every moment count.
But it’s not just about the activities; it’s the little moments—like watching his kids race through a painted maze or indulging them with ice cream from their favorite spot—that make his time with his family special.
And sometimes, these moments extend into unexpected arenas, like the small screen. Michael’s kids made a small appearance on-screen with their dad in House of Cards Season 3, Episode 10, where they played his character’s niece and nephew. You could really see the family resemblance, especially with Franke. It didn’t stop there; his daughter also teamed up with him in the movie All Square (2018).
Now, let’s take a closer look at his two kids, and see what they’ve been up to.
Franke Kelly, 16
The oldest, Franke is a high schooler at Fox Lane High School and into athletics. She has competed in events like the Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, the Manhattan College XC Invitational, and the Manhattan Invitational 2023. She’s raced in the 1 Mile, 1000 Meters and 1500 Meters.
While her early experiences might have hinted at a future in Hollywood, she has chosen a different route, and at every race, her dad is a constant presence in the stands, cheering her on and supporting her every step of the way.
Apart from her athletic pursuits, she once displayed artistic talent. Back iin 2016, she graced the stage at Lincoln Center and performed with the Paul Taylor Dance Academy.
Clearly, she inherited a bit of her dad’s passion for the performance as well.
Even though she’s wrapped up in her high school activities, Franke still has a regular routine. When she was younger, her parents would read her bedtime stories every night. Now, as she’s become more independent, she has taken over this bedtime ritual herself, choosing her own books to read each night.
Clinton Kelly, 14
He is now in middle school, likely following his sister at Fox Lane. He’s passionate about baseball and loves attending games with his dad. For them, it’s not just about watching the sport, but about sharing those meaningful father-son moments.
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As a kid, Clinton enjoyed playing video games with his dad, even if he didn’t know how to play. It was never about winning, but about spending time together, which made all the difference. He has grown in other ways too—he’s no longer riding on the back of a bike during family outings; now he proudly pedals alongside them.
Back in 2017, like many kids his age, Clinton was quite the picky eater. The actor discovered a clever workaround—letting him help with stirring the food. This small involvement made his son more eager to eat, and proud of his role in the kitchen.
Michael Loves Celebrating Festivities with his Children
Kelly embraces every chance to celebrate with his family, and Halloween is no exception. On this festive occasion, the family dressed up as The Incredibles family. His willingness to engage in playful activities, such as superhero role-play with his kids, shows how much he values spending quality time with them.
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The festive spirit continues into the new year with the Kelly family’s fun tradition of attending the New Year’s Day event at Coney Island. The whole family enjoys the outing, and the excitement peaks when they join the Polar Bear Club for the thrilling plunge into the icy ocean. After the chilly dip, they cap off the celebration with a stop at Nathan’s for some classic hot dogs.
