Josh Kelly on Erika Slezak’s ‘GH’ Debut, Cody’s Rom-Com Love Life and a Wild Fan Theory (Exclusive)
The army ranger turned soap hunk opens up about 'General Hospital' life
With Erika Slezak’s mysterious new character landing on General Hospital, Josh Kelly sits down with Woman’s World to dish on his first Port Charles scene with his former One Life to Live costar—not to mention how he feels about playing Cody Bell, becoming a Scorpio, and creating rom-com magic with Kristen Vaganos’ Molly.
The soap opera hunk who was on Unreal and recently popped up on NCIS: Origins reflects on how his days serving in the U.S. army inspire him today and teases his movie The Workout, coming out next month.
Plus, Kelly clears up rumors about himself and General Hospital alum Chloe Lanier and reveals why they want her character Nelle to return from the dead.
Josh Kelly on ‘GH’ newcomer Erika Slezak–’She’s such a force of nature’
With everyone dying to know who Erika Slezak is playing on General Hospital, we catch Josh Kelly during a particularly great day to play good guy, Cody Bell.
“I just got to work with an old friend from the One Life to Live days,” he cheers. “It’s wonderful. Erika Slezak is such a force of nature. There’s just so much gravity when she speaks. It’s fun to be around that, and I only got to have one scene with her ever on One Life, so this is cool.”
Unfortunately, Kelly can’t tell us much about Slezak’s character, including her name.
“Well…” he hedges, “she likes cowboys!”
Josh Kelly on joining the Scorpio family
At this point, who doesn’t like the Quartermaine’s stable hand, Cody Bell?
“In the beginning, he didn’t come off as good-natured as he is,” Kelly reminds. “But that’s just because it was a new town, and not everyone was nice to him. Now, he’s been able to prove himself, he’s made friends, and he’s putting down roots for the first time in his life.”
Besides becoming part of the Quartermaine clan through his job, Cody’s been welcomed into one of Port Charles’ legacy families—and Kelly is downright tickled to be a Scorpio.
“When I was in high school, my sister got into General Hospital and I started watching it,” he sets up. “I remember thinking Mac Scorpio had the coolest name in the world—and also that John York was one of the coolest looking guys ever. I was like, ‘Man, when I grow up, I hope I look like that guy,’ and now I get to play his son!
“My first scene with him and Kristina Wagner, my knees were shaking,” he admits. “But now, it’s great. I love working with them. They’re both just such nice people too.”
Working with kids, animals—and Jane Elliot
One way Cody’s won over locals had been his knack for wrangling kids like his nephew James, animals like the Q horses and that adorable dog who plays Outback and yes, Jane Elliot’s ever prickly and fabulous Tracy! Thankfully, Kelly feels right at home with all of his scenemates.
“Because I’m just a big kid, right?” he cracks. “I’ve always gotten along with animals, so it’s fun. And as far as the kids go, I still have that joy of acting. I love the whole make believe and fun part, but I can also be serious, so I’m a good cue for them. They know that it’s fun, but also sometimes, we have to be serious.”
“And I’ve loved working with Jane,” Kelly raves. “It’s been very collaborative. She’s maintained the caring about the work and the fun attitude. I love her, and Cody definitely has very strong feelings for Tracy Quartermaine!”
From army ranger to soap star: Josh Kelly’s journey
Kelly’s life has come a long way from his years serving in the US Army, which he joined in part because he was a budding actor who dreamed of doing action. After surviving four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he not only knew he had it in him, but he was even more committed to going Hollywood.
“When I was in the army, I learned the value of entertainment,” he explains. “We were the first people over after 9/11. We were there a month later in a ranger battalion, because I was in a special operations unit, and I got to see the importance of the release and the escape that entertainment gives people who have these very, very difficult jobs.”
After his service, Kelly managed to land himself in two movies from the Transformers franchise and nabbed plenty of primetime action.
He’s also got fresh action coming out on Blu-ray and video on demand on October 28+
“It’s called The Workout, and it’s about two former Army Rangers on a revenge spree,” he teases. “It’s very action heavy, so I’m not sure if it’s for everyone from the soap world… but I also don’t want to undersell it! It’s a fun movie.”
Josh Kelly reflects on his army days–’I was the funny fat guy in the platoon’
While he’s always wanted to play the hero, Kelly never could have imagined he’d end up a shirtless daytime hunk.
“I was the funny fat guy in the platoon and the class clown, so that guy would be surprised that I am on a soap,” he admits. “I thought I’d be doing sitcoms, but when I moved to L.A., I got told by casting directors that because my face is symmetrical, I should lose weight. So I started eating less than I want to and working out more than I want to…”
“All in all, I’m happy that I did that,” continues the 43-year-old. “It can be a much healthier way, and it promotes understanding about health. As you get older, even just five years past your teens, you start to understand the value of preventative medicine and maintaining your health.”
Cody and Molly’s rom-com chemistry with Kristen Vaganos
His hunk physique and handsome face have also led him to soaps, where he’s currently getting the best of both worlds. Not only does Cody get to fly into action and save the day on occasion, but his budding romance with Molly is letting Kelly and costar Kristen Vaganos tap into their comedy roots.
“The way they’ve set this relationship up has been more like a rom com,” he says. “We’ve had meet cutes and it’s grounded in a bit more humor—as opposed to coming from a passionate perspective or very dramatic circumstances. That comedic energy has been fun. I think it’s a nice, little relaxing reprieve for the show.”
What to expect at the ‘General Hospital’ fan event at Graceland
While Kelly spent five years shooting three seasons of Unreal, he’s found a home on General Hospital since joining in June of 2022—onscreen and off.
“This is the longest I’ve been on a show and I’ve done guest stars gigs in Los Angeles, but never been a lead. So it’s a really cool experience.”
Beyond his day job, he enjoys attending events like the 6th Annual Fan Celebration at Graceland, which is happening over Halloween weekend and promises meet and greets and panels with Kelly and costars Laura Wright, Donnell Turner, Tanisha Harper, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Braedyn Bruner, Van Hansis, Kelly Thiebaud, Giovanni Mazza, Rory Gibson, and Katelyn MacMullen—not to mention a costume party and Nurses Ball casting call!
“Graceland is great because it’s so fan-focused,” he says. “We’re all there together, so it’s not as rushed as other fan events. I hear the most amazing stories. The show’s been around for 62 years, and there are people that remember watching the first episode. It’s an honor to be a part of something that has touched so many people for so long.”
Josh Kelly and Chloe Lanier dream of seeing ‘Nelle Bell’ on ‘GH’
Kelly is feeling quite content with life these days—though he does want to make something clear about him and General Hospital alum Chloe Lanier.
“We are not married,” Kelly tells Woman’s World. “There are several articles out there saying we are, so I’ve had several aunts get very mad that they weren’t invited to the wedding. I had to be like, ‘Nope, I promise you’re invited, if and when it happens.’”
In the world of Port Charles, he and Lanier are looking to see another marriage, all together.
“Nelle was a great swimmer, so in theory, she could still be alive… and if so and if Nelle and Cody got married… she would be Nelle Bell!” Kelly cries in delight. “We would love that. I can also tell you right now, Nelle would not like Molly—and she would not like Molly going after Cody!”
For now, Kelly’s enjoys Cody’s rom-com fun with Molly on General Hospital and cheering on Lanier’s top-secret project.
“I’m really excited because my girl left Wednesday to go up to Canada to shoot a movie,” Kelly says. “She’s the lead and it’s an intense role. It’s going to be good!”
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