Nathalie Kelley is a Peruvian-Australian actress with notable roles in both film and television, best known for playing Neela in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and starring in various hit TV series such as Dynasty and The Baker and the Beauty.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 5, 1984, in Lima, Peru, Nathalie Kelley has Indigenous Quechua heritage from her mother's side and Argentine roots from her father. At a young age, she moved with her family to Sydney, Australia, where she attended North Sydney Girls High School. Her multicultural background and upbringing in both Latin America and Australia have greatly influenced her perspective and roles.
Acting Career Highlights
Kelley began her acting career with the title role in the unpicked TV pilot Mermaid in 2005. Her breakout moment came with the 2006 release of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, which established her in Hollywood as Neela. She continued her career with key roles in films like Loaded, Take Me Home Tonight, and Urban Explorer, as well as numerous TV series, including:
Body of Proof (as Dani Alvarez)
Unreal (as Grace)
The Vampire Diaries (as Sybil)
Dynasty (as Cristal Carrington / Celia Machado)
Advocacy and Social Impact
Beyond acting, Nathalie Kelley is committed to environmental and Indigenous causes. She is a graduate of the Soil Advocacy program by Kiss the Ground and serves on the board of the Fungà Foundation. Kelley leverages her significant social media following to advocate for the protection of biodiversity and to elevate Indigenous voices and technologies, aiming to reconnect society with ecosystems and preserve cultural wisdom. Her mission is focused on “giving a voice to the voiceless”—especially the soil, water, fungi, and forests.
Unique Traits and Recent Work
Kelley’s background in social science and policy informs her storytelling, and she often chooses roles that both entertain and inspire critical thinking about society and the environment. As of 2025, she appears in the series Motorheads and continues to participate in projects that blend her artistic passions with advocacy for social and environmental issues.
Nathalie Kelley exemplifies a blend of artistic talent, multicultural perspective, and a dedication to activism, using her platform for greater awareness and positive change.
