Machine Gun Kelly, bornRichard Colson Baker, is an American rapper, songwriter, and actor who began his career as an independent artist in 2007, eventually signing with Bad Boy Records in 2011. MGK has established himself as one of his generation’s most successful rap artists with his blend of rap, punk, and alternative hip-hop.
Machine Gun Kelly has conquered the music industry and has a passionate fan base that loves his work. But what many people don’t know is that he is also a talented actor. Kelly has shown his range as an actor by appearing in several diverse films and television series, includingNerve, Roadies,andThe Dirt. Take a look at his career so far.
11Big Time Adolescence
Big Time Adolescenceis a 2019 American coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by Jason Orley. The film stars Griffin Gluck, Pete Davidson, Sydney Sweeney, Machine Gun Kelly, Emily Arlook, and Jon Cryer. The plot follows Mo (Griffin Gluck), a teenager who is taken under the wing by his older sister’s ex-boyfriend Zeke (Pete Davidson), a charismatic college dropout.
InBig Time Adolescence, Colson plays the role of Nick, Zeke’s friend, and together they take Mo on a whirlwind adventure of girls, sex, and drugs. Baker’s performance as Nick is surprisingly funny, nuanced, and heartfelt.
Viralis a sci-fi horror movie that follows teenage sisters Emma (played by Sofia Black-D’Elia) and Stacey (Analeigh Tipton) as they attempt to survive a dangerous virus outbreak that has spread across the country. As the virus spreads, the sisters stop it and save their town from destruction.
InViral, Colson portrays CJ, Analeigh Tipton’s boyfriend. Although MGK’s screen time is limited as he soon ends up dead with his arms ripped off, his role in the movie is an excellent way to start a career for a young budding actor.
Bird Boxis a post-apocalyptic film thatstars Sandra Bullockas a woman who must blindfold herself and her two children to survive a mysterious force that makes people take their own lives. Colson described his character toGaloreas, “A pill popper who’s out for a ‘delivery’ when the epidemic breaks out.”
His character was enigmatic and captivating, and he certainly made an impression on viewers. While MGK’s role in Bird Box is relatively small, he is still an essential part of the film. His character provides a much-needed break from the intense scenes of survival and helps to humanize the characters.
8Beyond The Lights
Machine Gun Kelly was one of the breakout stars ofBeyond the Lights. He played Kid Culprit, a confident and rebellious rap star who is the love interest of Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). His performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and it’s no wonder why.
Machine Gun Kelly brings a lot of energy to Kid Culprit’s role, and he captures the character’s complicated personality - mischievous and self-assured, yet vulnerable and caring. His powerful performance won him many fans, showing that Machine Gun Kellywasn’t just a rapper but an actorto watch.
Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2is a sequel to the1990s cult classicSLC Punk, set 20 years after the original. The film follows Ross, the son of the late protagonist hero of the first film, as he embarks on an adventure with his two friends, Crash and Nate, in search of the punk lifestyle.
Related:These Are the 11 Best Punk Rock Movies of All Time
MGK plays the role of Crash, a punk rocker struggling to find his place in the world. With his edgy and rebellious style, MGK was the perfect fit for this role. He had the perfect combination of energy, intensity, and attitude to make the character of Crash come alive on the big screen.
Nerveis a 2016 American thriller directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (ofCatfishfame) and written by Jessica Sharzer. The movie is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Jeanne Ryan, and has akiller techno soundtrack. The film stars Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, and Juliette Lewis, and follows high school senior Vee Delmonico (Roberts), who is tired of living her life on the sidelines.
She finds herself caught up in an online game of truth or dare. In Nerve, MGK plays the character of Ty, Vee’s opponent in the game. Ty is a mysterious and dangerous player who is one of the movie’s main antagonists. His character is dynamic and complex, and he brings a lot of energy to the role. MGK’s performance as Ty is engaging and charismatic, and he perfectly captures the thrill of the game.
Roadieswas an underrated a comedy-drama series on Showtime that follows the lives of a group of roadies who work on a rock tour. The series follows the road crew as they navigate the political bureaucracy of the music industry, the personal sacrifices of joining a band on the road, and the power struggles that ensue. The show, created by the acclaimed Cameron Crowe and produced by J.J. Abrams, had a great cast including Luke Wilsom, Imogen Poots, Carla Gugino, and Machine Gun Kelly.
MGK portrays a young, fun-loving, talented musician and guitar tech called Wes, who is trying to reconnect with his twin sister. But his sister hates him because everyone seems to prefer him to her. InRoadies, Wes wins the crew’s heart with his goofy personality and espresso brewing skills. Kelly’s magnetic charisma and natural talent shine through in his performance, and he brings a unique energy to the show.
4Midnight in the Switchgrass
Midnight in the Switchgrassis a crime thriller filmstarring Bruce Willisand Megan Fox, and was the film in which MGK met Fox before beginning their romanic relationship. A federal investigator and a police officer collaborate to investigate a sexual slavery network that directs them to Calvin, portrayed by Colson.
InMidnight in the Switchgrass, Colson embodies a menacing and ferocious pimp brought to justice by Rebecca, the undercover police officer portrayed by Megan Fox. Colson’s behavior and appearance match his character’s hard-hitting and strong street presence.
3The Last Son
The Last Son, directed by Tim Sutton, who would go on to direct MGK in the recent filmTaurus, is a Western set in the early 1900s. It tells the story of Isaac LeMay (Sam Worthington), a man who had served in the military and is now supposedly under a Cheyenne curse. To guarantee his safety, LeMay embarks on a murderous mission to eliminate his offspring, with only the last son surviving in the end.
Related:Exclusive: Taurus Writer-Director Tim Sutton on Working With Machine Gun Kelly
MGK plays Cal, Isaac LeMay’s son. Kelly’s portrayal of Cal inThe Last Sonis more serious than in previous movies, and he manages to capture Cal’s crafty and passionate nature with an intense performance.
Machine Gun Kelly stars in a semi-autobiographical film written and directed by the aforementioned Tim Sutton, where he portrays a depressed musician. Co-starring his beau Megan Fox, the extremely dark (though often morbidly funny) film finds MGK at the top of his acting prowess in something very true to life. It seemed like a cathartic experience for Baker.
