Minka Kelly

Minka Kelly is an American actress who first gained widespread recognition for her role as Lyla Garrity on the critically acclaimed NBC drama Friday Night Lights. Born in Los Angeles to a former Aerosmith guitarist’s bandmate, Rick Dufay, and an exotic dancer and actress, Maureen Kelly, she had an unconventional upbringing that she has spoken about openly. She moved frequently during her childhood before settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she graduated from high school.

Kelly’s career gained momentum with Friday Night Lights, which ran from 2006 to 2011 and developed a passionate cult following. Her portrayal of the small-town Texas cheerleader earned her praise and opened doors to film and television opportunities. She went on to appear in films such as The Roommate, Just Go with It alongside Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, and 500 Days of Summer. In 2011, Esquire magazine named her the Sexiest Woman Alive, raising her mainstream profile significantly.

In television, Kelly continued to build her career with roles in the series Almost Human, the supernatural drama Titan (later titled Titans) on DC Universe and HBO Max where she played Dawn Granger/Dove, and the Hulu series Euphoria. Her portrayal of Dove in Titans ran from 2018 to 2023 and brought her to a new generation of fans. She has also made guest appearances on popular series including Jane the Virgin and Legends.

Beyond acting, Kelly has been involved in charitable work and has been open about her challenging upbringing, using her platform to advocate for those who have experienced similar circumstances. Her estimated net worth of $5 million reflects her steady career in both film and television over nearly two decades.