Kilner is an alumnus of Dulaney High School and the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. While attending Johns Hopkins he was a member of the National Champion lacrosse team.
From June 30 to July 16, 2006 he could be seen on stage in the Alley Theatre production of Wait Until Dark.
He played the father of Austin Aimes (Chad Michael Murray) on A Cinderella Story, he also played the father of Chad's cast mate, Hilarie Burton on One Tree Hill.