Walking down the street, Kelley Thrasher often gets a double take. With her striking resemblance to Taylor Swift, the Kansas native has experienced a surge of unexpected fame. A 40-year-old nanny from Shawnee, Kansas, Kelley has been mistaken for the pop star for over a decade. Her uncanny likeness to Taylor has only intensified with time. Consequently, she’s had some truly unforgettable encounters.
A Surreal Concert Experience
Kelley recalls one of her earliest and most memorable encounters.
“Twelve years ago, I was at her ‘Speak Now’ tour,” she shares.
“I got mobbed by a swarm of kids and moms. It was a bit scary.”
As Kelley tried to escape the enthusiastic crowd, someone mistook her for Taylor and led her to the floor’s tunnel entrance.
“We were like, ‘Uh, I think this went too far,’” Kelley laughs, remembering how Taylor’s security detail had to drive them back to their seats via golf cart.
The resemblance wasn’t something Kelley noticed at first.
“I honestly don’t think I saw the resemblance as much as others did,” she explains. “But as we both have aged, I think I look like her more now than ever.”
It’s not just the concert arenas where Kelley gets recognized. Everyday outings often turn into impromptu photo sessions with strangers.
Living in the Spotlight
Living in Kansas City has its perks and freaks, specifically with Taylor dating Kansas City Chiefs football player Travis Kelce. Kelley’s life has become even more interesting.
“I have been asked for selfies from strangers for years,” she says. “But it’s gotten worse since I live in KC, and she’s dating Travis Kelce.”
Kelley’s friends have always nudged her to embrace her doppelgänger status. It took a chance encounter with Bruno Mars to push her over the edge.
“I finally gave in after meeting Bruno Mars and [hearing] him tell me I needed to,” she admits.
Kelley quickly realized that everyone treated her like royalty, though she was initially nervous about disappointing people who thought they were meeting the real Taylor.
“They love it and know it’s all in good fun,” she says.
Embracing the Lookalike Life
Booking gigs as a Taylor Swift lookalike was not something Kelley initially considered. However, the encouragement from friends and fans changed her mind. Now, she also gets to experience a slice of celebrity life, complete with photo ops and star treatment.
“I definitely think I need a shirt that says, ‘Not Taylor’s Version,’” she jokes.
Despite the occasional chaos, Kelley enjoys the playful confusion her resemblance causes.
“I hope Taylor isn’t upset by my lookalike side gig,” she says with a smile.
Kelley’s natural resemblance to Taylor has brought joy and excitement to many. From spontaneous selfies to special appearances, she’s embraced her unexpected brush with fame.
“I was born this way,” she adds.
Kelley Thrasher’s journey as a Taylor Swift lookalike is a testimony to the fun and unpredictable turns life can take. Her adventures continue to unfold, one selfie at a time, as she navigates her unique role in the spotlight. Whether she’s attending a concert or just out on the town, Kelley’s resemblance to Taylor Swift keeps her life anything but ordinary.