Full Name: Kevin Norwood Bacon
Born: July 8, 1958
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Occupation: Actor, Musician
Years Active: 1977–present
Early Life & Background
Kevin Bacon was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Edmund Bacon, a renowned urban planner, and Ruth Hilda, a teacher. He developed a passion for acting early and attended the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts before moving to New York City to study at the Circle in the Square Theatre School.
Career Highlights
Breakthrough & Iconic Roles
- “Friday the 13th” (1980) – One of his earliest film roles in this horror classic.
- “Diner” (1982) – Gained recognition as part of this ensemble cast.
- “Footloose” (1984) – His breakout role as Ren McCormack made him a household name and solidified his reputation as a leading man.
Diverse Film Roles
- “JFK” (1991) – Played a supporting role in Oliver Stone’s political thriller.
- “A Few Good Men” (1992) – Starred alongside Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.
- “Apollo 13” (1995) – Played astronaut Jack Swigert in this critically acclaimed film.
- “Mystic River” (2003) – Received high praise for his performance in this crime drama.
- “Hollow Man” (2000), “The Woodsman” (2004), and “Frost/Nixon” (2008) – Showcased his range in thriller and drama genres.
Television Success
- “The Following” (2013–2015) – Starred as an FBI agent hunting a serial killer.
- “City on a Hill” (2019–2022) – Played a corrupt FBI veteran in this crime drama.
Music & Other Ventures
Kevin Bacon is also a musician and performs with his brother Michael Bacon in The Bacon Brothers, a folk-rock band.
Personal Life
Bacon has been married to actress Kyra Sedgwick since 1988, and they have two children.
Awards & Recognition
- Golden Globe Award (Taking Chance, 2010)
- Screen Actors Guild Award (Taking Chance, 2010)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2003)
Legacy & Pop Culture Impact
- Known for the game “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” which highlights his extensive connections in Hollywood.
- Respected for his ability to transition between leading and character roles across multiple genres.
Kevin Bacon remains one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, consistently delivering compelling performances across film, television, and theater.