Tim Kelly was born on October 2, 1931, in Saugus, Massachusetts, to Francis Seymour Kelley and wife Mary Edna Furey. He had two sisters, Jackie Hayes and Patricia Schultz.

Kelly began writing when he was about 12 years old. He entered a contest, using his maternal grandmother's name on one and his mother's name on the other (unbeknownst to them!) because the contest was in a publication catering to women--and they were both published. Thus began his devotion to writing.

Kelly was one of the most prolific American writers ever, with more than 300 plays to his credit. His works--which include comedies, dramas, one-acts, mysteries, melodramas, children's shows and musicals--have been produced by New York's Studio Ensemble Theatre, Royal Court Rep, Apple Corps, Manhattan Theatre Club, Los Angeles Actor's Theatre, Aspen Playwright's Festival, the Seattle Repertory Company, and countless other theaters around the world. He thoroughly enjoyed writing plays specifically for high-school students to perform. A television and screenwriter as well, Kelly penned such films as Cry of the Banshee (1970) and Sugar Hill (1974). Critics would often marginalize his work, but Kelly's presence in amateur theater is still felt today. His work continues to be performed all over the world - constantly.