Levi Carlson: Meet Kyle ‘Kiki Frags’ Fragnoli, the Actor Behind the Popular Vertical Drama Role
Levi Carlson introduces audiences to a layered story of love, ambition, and self-discovery — and the actor behind the role, Kyle “Kiki Frags” Fragnoli, is proving to be one of the most compelling voices in vertical drama.
As audiences continue to embrace mobile-first entertainment, vertical dramas have emerged as a defining trend, blending cinematic storytelling with the immediacy of social media. At the heart of this movement stands Levi Carlson, a standout character in “How to Dump a Hockey Star.”
But behind the character is actor and model Kyle “Kiki Frags” Fragnoli, a creative force whose work spans traditional film, television, and the dynamic world of digital storytelling.
What Vertical Dramas with Stars Like Levi Carlson Bring to Modern Storytelling
Vertical dramas are short, serialized stories created specifically for mobile viewing, designed to be consumed in quick, emotionally charged episodes. Unlike traditional widescreen productions, these projects are shot in a vertical 9:16 format optimized for smartphone screens.
Each episode is crafted to capture attention within seconds, often focusing on heightened emotion, fast-paced dialogue, and cinematic close-ups that pull viewers directly into the characters’ world.
One of the most talked-about examples of this rising format is “How to Dump a Hockey Star,” a 2025 ReelShort production that continues to draw attention across social media.
In this vertical drama, Levi Carlson takes center stage as a charismatic yet emotionally distant NHL player whose relationship with Renee unravels amidst secrets and personal revelations.
The story explores the fine line between love and ambition, portraying a man struggling to balance his professional drive with his personal life. Carlson’s character embodies both confidence and vulnerability, allowing viewers to see the human side of a sports star.
The Man Behind Levi Carlson
The actor behind Carlson is Kyle “Kiki Frags” Fragnoli, a multi-faceted performer whose career spans acting, modeling, and digital storytelling. Based between Los Angeles and New York City, Fragnoli has spent the past decade building a versatile portfolio that bridges traditional film and modern short-form media.
Known for his striking screen presence, the actor’s muscular physique, short brown hair, and green eyes have become part of his signature look — traits that make him instantly recognizable across his diverse range of roles.
Over the past 10 years, he has worked with numerous national brands, taking on a wide variety of modeling and acting projects that highlight his adaptability.
His credits include performances in “It’s Mitzy!: The Masquerade Ball!,” “My Last Best Friend,” and “Double Life of My Military Man,” each demonstrating his ability to balance charm and emotional intensity.
A standout collaborator, Fragnoli has earned a reputation as a team player both on and off the set. His recent partnership with ReelShort has solidified his place as one of its leading talents.
Recognizing his potential early on, the platform frequently casts him in starring roles that showcase his commanding presence and expressive range.
Kyle Fragnoli’s Approach to Acting and the Vertical Drama Landscape
In interviews, Fragnoli has described his acting style as deeply personal and rooted in authenticity. “When I show up on set, I try to be as authentic as possible,” he explained.
From his earliest skits to fully produced digital short dramas, the actor has embraced vertical platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and ReelShort as key creative outlets.
He often collaborates on serialized short films designed for mobile audiences, and he takes an active role behind the camera by developing storylines and sometimes directing pieces himself.
In a 2024 interview, he acknowledged the fast-paced nature of online visibility, noting, “If you are not posting every day, you are falling behind.” He admitted that he “genuinely hate[s] putting himself out there,” yet recognizes that in today’s digital world, “there is a lot more user-generated content now more than ever.”
One of his most notable digital performances was in the ReelShort mini-series “Ms. Detective and Mr. Thief,” where he co-starred with actress Jessica Jacoby. Fragnoli’s character, Ari, reunites with Isabel in a short-form romance that unfolds across social media feeds.
Behind-the-scenes glimpses shared on TikTok captured the lighthearted chemistry between the two and highlighted how modern vertical storytelling can balance cinematic depth with social immediacy.
Fragnoli’s social presence also mirrors his on-screen versatility. His Instagram feed, where he had amassed more than 18,000 followers at the time of writing, offers a mix of professional highlights, fitness shots, travel glimpses, and behind-the-scenes moments from set.
Whether portraying an alpha werewolf, an undercover agent, or a conflicted soldier, Fragnoli brings a sense of realism and energy that resonates with viewers. His natural charisma, combined with his dedication to craft, has made him one of ReelShort’s most in-demand leading men.
