Workin It with Kelly Ward
Kelly Ward is a longtime entertainment industry veteran, with a remarkable career that includes extensive experience as an actor, writer, director, producer, and studio executive. Kelly is best known for his co-starring role as T-Bird, Putzie, in the musical feature film, Grease.
As a writer and voice director, Kelly’s credits include over forty animated series, among them Star vs. The Forces of Evil, The Lion Guard, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Shaggy and Scooby Doo Get a Clue, and Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, which garnered him a Humanitas Prize for writing children’s animation, and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing.
Kelly began his writing career as a story editor for Hanna-Barbera Productions and later served as vice president of creative affairs for MCA/Universal, where he supervised production on animated television series. He went on to a four-year term as vice president of animation for MGM, co-producing the feature sequel, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, which he co-wrote, and The New Pink Panther Show.
For over 20 years, Kelly was a part-time faculty member of the USC School of Dramatic Arts, where he directed and choreographed dozens of stage productions ranging from Shakespeare to Sondheim. He currently writes for film and television, and directs voiceover for Disney Television Animation, among others.