Kelly Mantle talks The Browns and answers the Socialite Seven

You may remember Kelly Mantle from RuPaul’s Drag Race season six. Although their time on the show was cut far too short, this funny, fabulous queen has been keeping quite busy.

Kelly made Oscar history by being the first openly non-binary person ever to be approved and considered by The Academy for both Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress for their role in the feature film, Confessions of A Womanizer.  

Kelly is a graduate of the famed Second City in Chicago and has appeared on television in Lucifer, Modern Family and Mike & Molly, among others. Their uncle is the late great baseball legend, Mickey Mantle. They have also starred in more than 50 plays and has released three critically acclaimed albums and is currently working on their fourth.

Kelly’s latest project is co-starring with Tammie Brown on her series, The Browns. On the series, which kicked off its second season on Friday on OUT TV and Amazon Prime, Kelly plays Sheila, Tammie’s manager and BFF.

While the first season of The Browns consisted of three episodes with content built from Instagram sketches, the new season of The Browns is five thirty-minute scripted episodes. According to show co-creator John Mark, switching to a scripted format allowed the creative team to weave a more complex storyline. 

“In season two, Tammie returns home after a journey of self-discovery to find her peculiar family in even odder form,” Mark continues.  “Amidst the chaos of her son's viral fame, her best friend Sheila's drunken hijinks, and her father's involvement in a pyramid scheme, Tammie decides to take a shot at love!  She is challenged to be more vulnerable with everyone around her, including her offbeat family and potential suitors.” 

We were able to catch up with Kelly to find out about working with Tammie and what we can expect from the second season of this hilarious series and get to know them better as they answer the Socialite Seven. Catch up with this queen we’d all like to be our BFF. 

How did you get involved in this series?

Tammie telephoned me one day and asked me to come make some Instagram videos with her and John Mark. So, I showed up with a wig, some wine & some weed, and Sheila was born.

What’s it like working with Tammie? 

She's simply the best, better than all the rest, better than anyone, better than a Tina Turner song.

How would you describe your relationship? 

Like Joan Crawford and Bette Davis on the set of “Baby Jane.”

What can audiences expect from the new season of The Browns?

Chaos & mayhem, stunts & shenanigans, and laughter, lots of laughter, and guest stars galore! (Sheila might even have a love interest this season.)

How would you describe your character?

Sheila is an out-and-proud loudmouth lesbian and alcoholic. She's aware that she's “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest”, but she refuses to pay for therapy when she can just drink at home for free. After a failed country music career, she decided to go into talent management. As of now, Sheila's only client is Tammie Brown whose career she's almost singlehandedly destroyed. She's currently accepting submissions for new talent.

Where would you like to see your character go in future seasons? 

Rehab!

What do you like the most about working on The Browns? 

I love acting, especially when you get the freedom to improv in the moment while the cameras are rolling like we do on The Browns. And of course, I love getting to create with this motley crew of misfits.

What’s next for you? 

I'm in several films which will be coming out soon. One of them is World of Wonder's The Bitch Who Stole Christmas. And I'll be releasing some new music in early 2022. 

Kelly Answers the Socialite Seven

Who has been the biggest influence on you in your career so far? 

Me.

What talent would you like to wake up with tomorrow?

Pole dancing.

What are three things you can’t live without? 

Weed, wine, and my guitar.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

Create your own path. 

Who would you want to portray you in the story of your life?  

Cher.

What are you asking Santa for this Christmas? 

To make a donation to transequality.org. 

Check out new episodes of The Browns Fridays on OUT TV and Amazon Prime. Follow Kelly on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API