Kelly Bennett, daughter of the renowned late broadcaster Robert (Bob) and Marjie Bennett, has come full circle by endowing a fund to honor her father's name at the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences. The Bob Bennett Internship Fund will provide for college students to work as salaried interns at various television production companies.
Kelly's appreciation for television began when she and her father would watch TV together. She came to share his passion. Kelly came to admire him as a leader for many reasons, but mainly the way he inspired others.
As a teenager, she and the family moved to Maryland as her father climbed the Metromedia ladder to general manage its WTTG-TV affiliate in Washington. Fortunately for Kelly, she loved travelling and consequently moved on to high school in Westport, CT, when Bob Bennett took over leadership of the country’s number one independent TV station, WNEW, New York.
The Bennetts moved to Boston, where Kelly's dad began making broadcasting history at WCVB-TV – which was proclaimed by famed TV producer Norman Lear as "probably the country's best television station" in a New York Times front page article. Meantime, Kelly attended Colby Junior College then graduated from Boston University, earning a BA in political science.
Kelly moved to Los Angeles after college, realizing her own interest in entertainment, working at station KTTV as a secretary. Now she was soaking up television knowledge from the inside. Later she interned at the William Morris Agency, committing herself to learning about other aspects of the business.
Then she became the talent. Kelly's favorite acting experience was in the role of Michelle on the independent primetime TV soap opera "Rituals," where her salty character had an affair with not only her boss but his son as well!
Kelly appeared four times as a guest on the popular sitcom "Too Close for Comfort" with the Emmy Award-winning actor Ted Knight in what turned out to be her most fun and enjoyable acting experience.
Additionally, Kelly earned roles in several independently released movies: "Children of the Corn II," "Death Ring," "Casualties" with Emmy Award nominee Mark Harmon, and "The Third Cry" with Richard Hatch.
After adopting her son, Kelly stepped away from acting to spend more time with family. Subsequently, she took an active role in her parents' foundation, which has provided contributions of time, love, and funds for worthy causes.
Kelly’s father appointed her head of the family foundation. She oversaw major charitable projects, especially an exciting summer camp program for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Hundreds of disabled children got the unique, heartwarming opportunity to enjoy summer camp for the first time, experiencing swimming, sing-a-longs, crafts and other activities -- simple childhood pleasures otherwise out of their reach.
Kelly is a strong supporter of Project Angel Food, The Los Angeles Zoo (GLAZA), and World Wildlife Fund, among other worthy causes. This has provided her with a deeper sense of self and compassion for those in need, whether they be children, animals, or the under-served.
In the past, Kelly and her Newfoundland therapy dog, Sasha, would entertain, amuse and comfort the little ones at Children's Hospital.
