While Michael Kelly was counted among the “House of Cards” ensemble that received a Screen Actors Guild nomination in 2013, individually speaking, Hollywood may be a touch behind in honoring the show’s third lead.
The higher-billed Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright both have two Emmy nominations in as many seasons, but the man behind creepy Doug Stamper has been generally overlooked to date in terms of trophy opportunities.
TheWrap wanted to do our part to rectify that, and after we got up the nerve to talk to the spooky on-screen Chief of Staff, it turns out Kelly is a really nice guy. We also learned that he tried to talk Netflix out of its full-season episode dump strategy. Clearly, he got outvoted.
Read below to find out what else we squeezed out of Kelly for our Emmy Contender Quickie series.
TheWrap: What was the toughest thing you had to do this season? Kelly: It was taking on the challenge of playing a completely different character than I played the two previous seasons, and all the prep work … just to learn about people who had TBI’s (Traumatic Brain Injuries), to learn about speech patterns with TBIs, to learn about the physicality, the cane, the way I was going to walk.
What was the most fun thing you got to do this season? I think the most fun — and the worst at the same time — was the day that my children came and were in the show with me. I got to act with my daughter — she was five at the time — talk about a proud dad.
But it was really tough too, because you want to direct [them]. It was a really tough day. But when the day was over, my wife and I brought the two kids home and it was like, “Wow, they got to see what dad did.” That was really special.
Let’s assume that somebody has never seen your show. What would you say to persuade them to watch it? Some people will be like, “Oh, I’m not that into politics.” I’m like, “It’s about power, not politics.” If you get off on power — you know, everybody can identify with power, no matter what end you’re on — that’s what the show at its real root is about. I always tell that to people, I’m like, “You’ll dig it, that’s why.” Because it’s really good.
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright aside, who else on your show deserves an Emmy nomination, and why? So, obviously Kevin and Robin have gotten the recognition. I think that both of them deserve to win one, one year.
But I think, Rachel Brosnahan, I mean, that girl … what she did on that show — I just think that she’s such an amazing actress. And so young, she’s so good. Rachel Brosnahan is just a real talent.
Are you a binge-watcher or a once-a-weeker? I don’t really watch a lot of television, but this year, I just ripped through “The Fall” in probably a few days. Jamie Dornan … that kid hit a home run. He was so good. Gillian [Anderson] was great. That’s just an incredible show.
It’s the only way I can do it … and I think it’s what Netflix saw. I remember asking them, “You sure you don’t want to do like seven and six?” They were like, “No, all 13 at once — that’s what the consumer wants.” It’s just the way it is today and Netflix was smart enough to jump on it first.
If you could add any new category to the Emmys, serious or silly, what would it be? It’s a tough one, because it’s already such a long damn night. That could be my answer: “Isn’t the night long enough?”
If nominated, which episode would you submit and why? If nominated, I’d lose my mind. I wouldn’t even know what to do — I would freak out. It feels so bizarre to even be in those conversations. It’s an incredible, stacked field … the supporting actors.
I don’t know, I’d probably call Beau Willimon — our writer/showrunner — and ask him. Or my publicist or my manager or somebody, I don’t know. I wouldn’t know which one! I’d have someone else ultimately make the decision I think.
16 Best and Worst Moments of Emmys 2014 (Photos)
BEST DRESSED: Bryan Cranston's Upper Lip
There aren't many ways to spice up a black and white tuxedo, but Bryan Cranston nailed it by topping his outfit off with a classy sliver of facial hair he grew to play blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo in upcoming biopic "Trumbo."
Getty Images
WORST DRESSED: Sarah Paulson
When attending the Emmys, one should be consumed with gratitude -- not consumed live by chiffon.
Getty Images
BEST: Heidi Klum's Nipples
Whether it was due to a chill outside the Nokia Theatre or because the "Project Runway" host was just really excited about her two nominations, Klum delivered a true stand-out performance on the red carpet.
Getty Images
BEST: Sarah Silverman Is High on Life
We aren't sure if it was a public service about the importance of mammograms or an effect of getting high on her own supply, but Sarah Silverman spent her whole red carpet interview with Giuliana Rancic massaging her own breasts and talking about the liquid marijuana in her clutch.
E!
WORST: Pretty in Pink?
Lena Dunham's dress doesn't know what it wants to be. All business on top, muppets gave their lives for the bottom.
Getty Images
BEST: Easy, Breezy Awards Host
Seth Meyers delivered a fun, quick monologue that proved he knew what the buzz was surrounding this year's awards.
Getty Images
BEST: Look Into My Eyes, Handsome
"Modern Family's" Gail Mancuso felt she couldn't get through her acceptance speech for comedy directing if she looked at her co-workers. So, she took advantage of the talent in the room. Matthew McConaughey was her pick and he kept his eyes glued on her. Lucky gal!
Getty Images
WORST: Stephen Colbert's Presentation
The normally hilarious Colbert fell flat while presenting the award for Supporting Actor in a Miniseries/Movie category. The upcoming "Late Show" host delivered a skit during which he argued with his invisible pet rabbit, Roscoe. Also invisible: The humor in Colbert's bit.
Getty Images
BEST: BIggest Turnaround
After seeing his face after losing the Directing award, it's clear Murphy won't win an acting Emmy anytime soon. Twitter went nuts on him. Then, his movie "Normal Heart" won and he delivered a lovely speech and the tide turned.
Getty Images
WORST: Hiring a DJ
Look: Academy, NBC, executive producers -- you already sprung for a house band … Why do you need a DJ to scratch and ruin these theme songs? They're actual compositions by accomplished musicians, by the way … who ALSO work in TV. How about a little respect? Also, the MTV Awards were last night. You're the Emmys -- act as if.
TheWrap
WORST: Weird Al Yankovic's Music Medley
What expected this musical parody genius to spoof un-spoofable television instrumentals. What we got, sucked -- what a shocker. You're better than that, Al., much better. This one is our fault.
NBC
BEST and WORST: Look at the Pretty Lady
Sofia Vergara lent her beauty to the annual TV Academy president's speech, but was it funny or offensive? Either way, have you ever paid so much attention to the Academy president's speech?
Getty Images
BEST: Billy Crystal Remembers Robin Williams
The In Memoriam segment is always a tearjerker -- and this year was no exception. Actually it was somewhat of an exception, because last year's format was terrible, and also because Robin Williams was exceptional. Also top-notch was the job Billy Crystal did remembering his friend.
Getty Images
BEST: "Good" Shade
Julianna Margulies, one of the few network wins this year, threw show expert shade when she emphasized "The Good Wife's" quality over "22 episodes." Cable produces much shorter seasons.
Getty Images
BEST: Two-Fer Allison
Allison Janney took home the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on "Mom." That combined with the Emmy she won on Aug. 16 for "Masters of Sex" makes her the first actor or actress in more than a decade to win two acting Emmys in the same year.
Getty Images
BEST: Emmy's Long Kiss Goodnight
With her 5th Emmy win, Louis-Dreyfus becomes the only actress to take home 3 Emmys for 3 different comedies. That deserves a congratulatory kiss, which Bryan Cranston was willing and able to give.
Getty Images
1 of 16
TheWrap reveals its highs and lows from TV’s biggest night at L.A.’s Nokia Theater on Monday
BEST DRESSED: Bryan Cranston's Upper Lip
There aren't many ways to spice up a black and white tuxedo, but Bryan Cranston nailed it by topping his outfit off with a classy sliver of facial hair he grew to play blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo in upcoming biopic "Trumbo."