Playing a sheltered cheerleader in a small town would have been a challenge for most young actresses, but Minka Kelly’s layered performance made “Friday Night Lights” (NBC, 2006– ) one of the most compelling television shows of its time. Kelly infused her role as the girlfriend of a paralyzed high school football star with emotional authenticity and depth, laying the foundation for a successful acting career, while her high-profile romances with rocker John Mayer and star shortstop Derek Jeter made headlines. Yet it was Kelly’s performance on “Friday Night Lights” that gave the actress a
