From bold cable comedies to high-flying sports dramas, explore five of Kelli Berglund's most underrated career highlights and fan-favorite studio appearances.
Kelli Berglund sat down with Young Hollywood to break down her creative journey, proving early on that her screen presence extended well past the standard television trajectory. With our coverage spanning four stories since 2011, we have watched Berglund evolve from an energetic teen favorite into a versatile screen talent who tackles bold comedy and physical drama with equal precision.
The California native first built a loyal following through high-speed stunts and youth television, but her catalog contains standout performances that casual viewers often overlook. From sharp comedic guest arcs to intense cable dramas, Berglund consistently brings distinct timing and sharp physical commitment to every role. Watch our full sit-down with Kelli Berglund below.
Roxanne in Now Apocalypse
When Gregg Araki brought his surreal comedy Now Apocalypse to Starz in 2019, Berglund stepped into the role of Roxanne, an aspiring television star navigating chaotic romantic entanglements and offbeat auditions in Los Angeles. The role allowed her to shatter any lingering sitcom expectations, playing Roxanne with a dry wit, sharp self-awareness, and an undeniable cool factor. It was an unfiltered, funny showcase that proved she could handle eccentric dialogue and wild visual humor without missing a beat.
Berglund’s comedic instincts anchored some of the series’ most memorable exchanges. Her performance was breezy yet grounded, balancing the show's fever-dream atmosphere with an authentic portrayal of a young performer trying to build a career in Hollywood. The series gave her the creative room to take huge stylistic swings, resulting in one of the most delightfully daring roles of her twenties.
Crystal Tyler in Heels
In the Starz wrestling drama Heels, Berglund took on the role of Crystal Tyler, a small-town valet and aspiring wrestler yearning for her chance to enter the squared circle. Drawing directly on her background as a trained dancer, Berglund delivered high-octane physical execution in the ring while conveying the quiet frustration of an athlete overlooked in a male-dominated circuit.
Crystal’s journey from ringside assistant to undisputed ring competitor became the emotional heartbeat of the show. Berglund balanced explosive athleticism with vulnerable drama, ensuring that every body slam, dropkick, and backstage confrontation carried real stakes. For viewers who only knew her from half-hour comedies, Heels established her as an actor capable of carrying high-intensity drama and complex physical storytelling.
Gwenny in Alexa & Katie
Joining the Netflix sitcom Alexa & Katie as Gwenny Thompson, Berglund provided the perfect comedic foil to lifelong best friends Alexa and Katie during their high school freshman year. Gwenny began as the classic hyper-competitive school rival, but Berglund infused the character with enough subtle warmth and theatrical flair to make her scenes immediately engaging rather than one-dimensional.
Playing a school nemesis requires impeccable comedic rhythm, and Berglund delivered punchlines with effortless sharpness. Her back-and-forth banter with the titular duo helped ground the show’s high school dynamics, reminding audiences how easily she commands the multi-camera format. It is a breezy, charming turn that remains a total comfort watch on streaming queues.
Bree Davenport in Lab Rats
While Lab Rats was a cornerstone hit on Disney XD, Berglund’s long-running performance as Bree Davenport deserves fresh appreciation for its physical difficulty. As the bionic sibling blessed with superhuman speed and agility, Berglund spent four seasons executing elaborate wirework, martial arts choreography, and slapstick timing, often carrying the emotional core of the Davenport family dynamics.
Berglund’s dance background gave Bree’s bionic speed a fluid, stylized look that elevated standard studio action scenes. She brought an expressive charm to Bree's quest for a normal teenage social life, keeping the character grounded even amidst outlandish science-fiction plots and sibling warfare. The performance laid the groundwork for the physical precision she would later bring to adult action projects.
Knott's Scary Farm Guest Scares and Studio Q&As
Beyond her scripted roles, Berglund’s real-world pop-culture appearances showcase a spontaneous, self-deprecating personality that fans adore. During our studio visits, she tackled fast-paced games and candid chats with relaxed candor. "I feel like this is gonna be a lot harder than I think it is," Kelli Berglund told Young Hollywood while taking on a high-speed studio challenge, highlighting the genuine charm she brings to every unscripted appearance.
Whether walking through the fog of Knott's Scary Farm alongside celebrity monsters or sharing offbeat personal takes in studio, Berglund never takes herself too seriously. Discussing culinary preferences during our interview, she broke into a spirited debate with total honesty: "I hate whipped cream. I like frosting over whipped cream, that is gross." She added with a laugh: "I'm not really a frosting person. Not really a cake person but cupcakes are my one thing." That natural, fun-loving energy turns simple fan dares and holiday visits into memorable fan highlights.
Across dynamic television roles, physically demanding drama, and candid studio appearances, Berglund continues to assemble a creative resume defined by range and sharp talent. She approaches every project with undeniable enthusiasm, proving that her best work spans every corner of the entertainment dial.
On This Topic
