Palmar Kelly

New York based actor, writer, producer

Hi, I’m Palmar! I’m an actor, writer, film producer, and retired sex worker. I started doing sex work in 2014, shortly after moving to NYC, when I needed a survival job while pursuing acting. Since then, I’ve graduated from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and gone on to write, star in, and produce several short films — including SUGAR, a pilot inspired by the behind-the-scenes world of the strip club where I worked, the same one featured in ANORA. Most recently, I became a producer on Julia Fox’s upcoming film Perfect.

While social media can sometimes feel like the bane of my existence, I try to remember it’s ultimately just a tool — one that allows me to share my work with the widest audience possible. I built a following by posting candid reflections on the highs and lows of sex work, which eventually connected me with producers and led to pitching my first TV pilot.

Acting will always be my first love and my favorite way to express creativity. But writing and producing have taught me that I can tell any story, anytime — no permission needed, just passion and persistence.

Every now and then, I remember I’m funny and hop back into stand-up — because if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I’ll always find a way to laugh at my own chaos.