Johnny Kelly — Shaft's Big Score! Character Profile

About Johnny Kelly

Corrupt business partner in the 1972 film. He murders Cal Asby to control their lucrative numbers racket and cover gambling debts. He attempts to double-cross both the mob boss and Bumpy Jonas, but Shaft systematically outmaneuvers him, leading to Kelly's death during the cemetery escape.

Character Facts

Played by

Wally Taylor

Appears in

Shaft's Big Score! (1972)

Role

Supporting

Relationships (3)

• Johnny Kelly — Romantic Lovers — Rita (Kathy Imrie)
• Johnny Kelly — Professional Criminal Associate — Gus Mascola (Joseph Mascolo)
• Johnny Kelly — Conflict Arch Enemy — John Shaft (Richard Roundtree)

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Shaft's Big Score!

More characters from Shaft's Big Score!

• John Shaft (Richard Roundtree)
• Bumpy Jonas (Moses Gunn)
• Willy (Drew Bundini Brown)
• Gus Mascola (Joseph Mascolo)
• Johnson (Don Blakely)
• Rita (Kathy Imrie)
• Det. Salmi (Henry Ferrentino)
• Cal Asby (Robert Kya-Hill)
• Preacher (Thomas Anderson)
• Junior Gillis (Melvin Green, Jr.)
• Kelly's Hood #1 (Richard Pittman)
• Cooper (Dan P. Hannafin)