Michael Gerard Kelly, born on July 3, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan. At 90 years young, Mike departed this world exactly as he had wished—quickly and easily following an unfortunate fall. He is affectionately known by friends and family as “Lucky Kelly.” Mike was born with the gift of gab, a heart of gold, and the soul of a consummate entertainer. He could command any room with his legendary stories, keeping everyone laughing until they cried.

A Life of Adventure and Service The seventh of eleven children, Mike graduated from St. Francis DeSalles Catholic School in Detroit. Soon after, his sister Mary Catherine introduced him to acting, igniting what would become his greatest lifelong passion. Mike proudly served his country during the Korean War era as a U.S. Army Military Policeman (MP) stationed in Greenland.

Upon returning home, he was employed by General Electric, became actively involved in the UAW, and managed political campaigns for various Michigan politicians. His father, Pete Kelly, was an esteemed member of the Michigan Legislature for 18 years. Mike declined numerous invitations to run for office himself, fiercely preferring to work behind the scenes rather than be controlled by party politics.

Instead, Mike chose the path of the open road and adventure. He spent a couple of years pushing cattle out west, took a solo horseback ride over the mountains, and even started a ski resort (which gracefully failed for lack of snow). He worked in beer distribution for his close friends, the Sullivans, and traveled with them to Ireland.

The Entrepreneur and Artist To support his creative ambitions, Mike attended barber school, became a master hairstylist, and owned a successful salon in Southfield, Michigan. He eventually sold the business to partner with his friend, Dan Reedy, in opening Danny’s Irish Pub in Ferndale, Michigan. After the duo won a Knights of Columbus raffle, Dan bought Mike out, sending “Lucky Kelly” off on new escapades to San Francisco and Australia.

Mike’s true passion, however, was always the theater. His acting career spanned off-Broadway traveling shows, the Farmington Playhouse, and the Redford Theater. His love for the stage also brought wonderful people into his life; he met T. Harold Bowles, Jr. when Harold was working as an acting instructor. The two became fast friends and true brothers in spirit. Through Harold, Mike was introduced to Yvette Michele. She and Mike formed an instant, profound bond, choosing to “adopt” one another as father and daughter during her adulthood. Mike often joked with a smile that all his children belonged to other people, chalking it up to just “one more adventure” in a life he absolutely loved.

In the 1990s, Mike relocated to Traverse City, where he deeply embedded himself in the local arts scene. He served on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for many years, worked as an actor, director, and set builder at the Old Town Playhouse (OTP), and founded the Theater North Production Company. At OTP, he directed West Side Story and Proof, and acted in numerous productions. At the Grand Trunk Theater he directed Glengarry Glen Ross. He also directed Holiday Resort at the Grand Traverse Resort Dinner Theater and appeared in local commercials, including a memorable stint as the Subway Sandwich Guy.

In 1999, filmmaker Rich Brauer cast him alongside Ernest Borgnine as Toby Weems in The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island, earning Mike his SAG card. His character was described as “a windy, eccentric local town character and old family friend”—a description that fit the real Mike Kelly to a T.

Beyond the stage, Mike was a talented writer and artist. Out of immense love for his many nieces and nephews, he self-published his children’s book, RoyGBiv and the Color Wheel. He also experimented beautifully with paint, wood, glass, and metal, always keeping his hands busy. And, of course, he absolutely loved the game of golf.

A Time for Reflection and Healing I, Jean Greene, had Mike in my life for the last 15 plus years – that time when wisdom begins to surface and you look back and wonder why you chose to enter this physicallifeatthistimeinhistory. This was his time for more introspection. A time for personal growth, spiritual growth, and long discussions. He became a Reiki Master and an animal Reiki healer. He was very good at opening other people’s hearts and sending calming, healing energy. He reminded us of the joy in truly living by just being who we are – all of us together. Shine your light for the world to see, and that he did magnificently... Michael had an amazing, magical, loving life.

On to your next adventure, my friend. We shall meet again...

Mike is survived by myself (He forbade me to leave before him), his brother Alfred “Al” Kelly, his sister Frances Arismendy, 36 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

His parents predeceased Mike, Peter “Pete” Joseph Kelly, and Ellen “Nellie” Elizabeth Kelly, and his siblings Mary Catherine “Kay” Oak, Edward “Ed” Kelly, Eileen Ross, Peter Joseph “Joe” Kelly, Winifred “Wini” Kissick, Ellen “Helen” Mullen, Sharon Kelly, James “Jimmy” Kelly.

There will be a Celebration of life on July 18, 2026, at Interlochen Golf Course Memorial contributions can be made to: Reining Liberty Ranch, 4656 Silver Pines Rd. Traverse City, MI 49685