Education and Early Career

Kelly's interest in performing arts began in the second grade, when she sang solo in her school's Christmas play. A suggestion following that performance led her mother to take her to an audition for a local production of The Sound of Music. Jean credits that audition as the catalyst for her acting career. She soon became active in community theatre, frequently taking on roles during the summer. She notably played the lead in Annie twice, performances that were well received by audiences.

Before the age of fourteen, she began taking voice and dance lessons six days a week. With encouragement and support from her mother, who actively took her to auditions, Jean eventually placed second in a musical talent competition, which helped her secure an agent—a significant achievement at the time.

Even before starting college, Kelly landed a role on Broadway, portraying Snow White in the original production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Columbia University in New York City, where she continued participating in theatrical productions during her studies.