Travis Kelce as Ed Lachlan (Image: FX)
Travis Kelce has sparked a mixed reaction following his debut acting performance, with some viewers expressing their “cringe” at his portrayal.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end and boyfriend of Taylor Swift was cast in FX’s new thriller Grotesquerie, created by American Horror Story and Monsters producer Ryan Murphy, causing a stir among fans.
The series follows detective Lois Tryon (played by Niecy Nash-Betts) who partners with local nun, Sister Megan (Micaela Diamond), to solve a string of gruesome crimes in their small town.
In the third episode, which aired on Wednesday, Travis’ character, Ed Lachlan, was finally introduced.
Ed is a compassionate orderly caring for Lois’ comatose husband Marshall (Courtney B. Vance), stepping in when manipulative Nurse Redd (Lesley Manville) attempts to persuade her to give up her power of attorney over him, reports .
Travis portrays an orderly named Ed Lachlan (Image: FX)
By the conclusion of the third episode, Lois and Ed are fleeing together after a drink-driving incident lands her in hospital, suggesting that he will have a significant role in future episodes.
However, some fans have found Travis’ casting distracting, claiming it has lowered the quality of Grotesquerie.
One viewer commented on X (formerly Twitter): “lmao i just saw a clip of Struggling Boyfriend Travis Kelce in grotesquerie and his mama is right he can’t act.”
One fan expressed their discomfort, saying: “With all due respect, Mr. Travis Kelce, we love you so much for your authentic lovely personality that seeing you act serious is kind of cringe. There are so many fake people in the world, please just be you.”
Will Taylor Swift’s boyfriend have an Emmy nomination under his belt next year? (Image: GETTY)
Another was less forgiving: “travis kelce should leave acting roles to real actors cuz this is awful,” they declared.
A user shared their dismay: “Okay Ryan Murphy got a little too confident thinking he could turn Travis Kelce into an actor, next to Niecy he looks bad.”
This prompted another Redditor to chime in with criticism: “He’s so unbelievably bad and his dialogue sucks. The scenes with him are uncomfortable to watch.”
Yet, amidst the backlash, Travis found some staunch supporters. A certain X user exclaimed: “This man can ACT!!!! #Grotesquerie.”
Enthusiastic fans responded with comments like, “Travis did an excellent job. Can’t wait to see more of the series”, and “So charming, his charm is so freaking exuding.”
And one particularly adamant fan stated: “I’m gonna be p***ed off if Travis Kelce doesn’t get an Emmy nomination. I said what I said!!”
As opinions divide, the question remains whether Travis Kelce will create a stir in the upcoming awards season or if he’ll take the advice of some fans and focus solely on his football career. Only time will tell for the Kansas City Chiefs tight end.
Grotesquerie continues Wednesdays on FX in the US and Thursdays on Disney+.