Bad Santa Star: Where is Brett Kelly Now?

Brett Kelly, now 31, continues to work in entertainment two decades after his iconic role as Thurman Merman in the 2003 film Bad Santa. Kelly chose to remain in his native Vancouver, Canada, commuting to jobs rather than relocating to Hollywood. He described his upbringing as relatively normal, punctuated by experiences like acting alongside Billy Bob Thornton.

Kelly's career has included roles in Unaccompanied Minors, What Goes Up, and Bad Santa 2. He took a four-year break from acting at age 17 to study business at the University of British Columbia, seeking a fallback option. Currently, he is a main cast member, portraying Cecil Patterson, in the Canadian dark comedy legal drama Family Law, which began airing in 2021.

Reflecting on his childhood role, Kelly recalled the intense audition process and Thornton's warm on-set demeanor. He also mentioned his recent appearance on the quiz show Jeopardy in 2024, where he did not advance to the final round. Despite his enduring connection to Bad Santa, Kelly hopes to keep his business degree as a backup plan for the future.