Performer Rob Kellogg On Launching ‘The Itch’ And Breakout Role In ‘PLL: Original Sin’

What a breakthrough star!

You might recognize Rob from his amazing new role as Billy in the popular HBO original series ‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Rob about his favorite memories from set, favorite type of TV shows, and more!

How did you find out you got casted as ‘Billy’ in ‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin?’ 

R: “It’s a funny story; the day before my audition, I took a big audition for another series that was scheduled in the middle of a work day. While I was in the audition, I got a call that I had been fired. I remember being so distraught, and I didn’t get that part anyway. So when I saw this audition for PLL: OS, I remember thinking what else could go wrong? At the time, the Billy’s role was meant to be smaller— just a little scene— so I remember being strangely relaxed. And oddly enough, it was the first television audition that worked out for me.”

What’s a favorite memory of yours from set?

R: “One weekend of shooting, we were on location in Schenectady and they put the cast up in a casino. Alex and Carson taught me craps.

And it was cut from the final edit, but there was this snowy exterior street shot of Tabby and Billy’s date; by the time Chandler and I got done, we couldn’t feel our hands or feet, but the crew was amazing, stuffing hand warmers in all our pockets and boots.”

Do you feel you relate to ‘Billy’ in any way?

R: “As an athlete, Billy is stuck between what he knows to be these good core values that he’s grown up with, and what he believes is required of him as captain of the football team. I think his sweetness really comes through when he and Tabby meet. He’s genuine and would never actually cause her harm, but later on when he’s put in a situation where his assertiveness is tested, he is willing to step up to the plate for his teammates’ honor. He makes some bad decisions along the way, but it’s all in service of answering the question, “What does it mean to be a man?”

Any career plans aside from acting?

R: “I believe that acting is a lifelong pursuit more than it is a career, so I hope to act in some capacity for the rest of my life. Some bad advice I’ve taken is that you shouldn’t have a backup plan, because you’ll fall back on it. I hope for a life in the arts and to be involved in all facets of storytelling: writing, directing, producing and someday teaching.”

What movie/tv show would you love to star in?

R: “I love shows that are centered around a strong young ensemble, like Stranger Things and Outer Banks. I also grew up watching The 100 and other dark sci-fi shows. I love television that defies categorization— for example, Succession’s high wire drama paired with its irreverent comedy and docu-drama style. Others shows that fall into this category for me would be American Vandal, White Lotus, Barry, and The Rehearsal.”

Who would be a dream co-star of yours? 

R: “I’ve been told I look like a young Keanu Reeves, so I’d love to play a younger version of him or play his son. Another actor I look up to is Steve Carrell for the way his comedic timing translates into dramatic roles. Tom Pelphrey would be at the top of my list, too. I’m grateful to have learned so much from everyone I’ve had an opportunity to share a set with.”

Recently you founded the Itch, what inspired you to create it?

R: “The idea is to re-platform artists who have been affected by the pandemic. During that time, most of my friends had passion projects that they were unable to complete on their own, and my hope is that our collective can be an incubator for those projects.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

R: “You can find me on instagram at @rob.kellogg, or on my website robkellogg.com. You can also submit a script or screenplay at theitch.us .Thank you, New Scene, it’s been a pleasure!”

Photo Credits: Ken Yotsukura |  Still from PLL: OS, 1.06 “Scars” | Still from PLL: OS, 1.07 “Carnival of Souls”

Trina Hannah- Entertainment Editor/Graphic Designer– Trina is currently studying Graphic Design at Siena Heights University, she is into all things digital media such as video editing, photography and more! She loves getting to express herself through her work and hopes that it can make people smile as well as inspire them to be creative.