The actor Kevin Bacon celebrates 66 today
Kevin Bacon was catapulted to fame in the 1984 film “Footloose” and became one of the most popular actors of his generation, building a long and stable career with a diverse array of roles that have showcased his versatility throughout the years
The actor Kevin Bacon celebrates 66 today
Kevin Norwood Bacon was born on July 8, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a culturally rich environment; his father, Edmund Bacon, was a renowned urban planner, and his mother, Ruth Hilda Holmes, was a liberal activist and teacher. Inspired by his family’s artistic and intellectual environment, Bacon developed an early interest in acting.
Bacon’s acting career began in the late 1970s with roles in theater productions and small parts in television and film. His big break came with the 1980 film “Friday the 13th,” where he played one of the ill-fated camp counselors. However, it was his starring role in the 1984 film “Footloose” that catapulted him to fame. The movie, which showcased his dance skills and charismatic presence, became a cultural phenomenon and established Bacon as a leading man in Hollywood.
Following the success of “Footloose,” Bacon faced the challenge of avoiding typecasting. He took on a diverse array of roles to showcase his versatility. Notable films from this period include “Diner” (1982), “She’s Having a Baby” (1988), and “Tremors” (1990). His role in “JFK” (1991) demonstrated his ability to tackle complex, dramatic parts.
Bacon continued to build his career with standout performances in films like “A Few Good Men” (1992), where he played a military prosecutor, and “Apollo 13” (1995), in which he portrayed astronaut Jack Swigert, “Sleepers” (1996), “Mystic River” (2003) and “The Woodsman” (2004), where he delivered a powerful performance as a convicted child molester trying to reintegrate into society.
In addition to his film career, Bacon has made significant contributions to television. He starred in the hit series “The Following” (2013-2015), where he played a former FBI agent tracking a serial killer, the acclaimed Amazon series “I Love Dick” (2017) and the Showtime series “City on a Hill” (2019-present), where he plays a corrupt FBI agent in 1990s Boston.
In more recent years he has also taken on roles in recent films such as “Black Mass” (2015) and “Patriots Day” (2016).
Kevin Bacon married actress Kyra Sedgwick in 1988, and the couple has two children, Travis and Sosie. The pair have worked together on several projects and are known for their strong, enduring relationship. Bacon and Sedgwick are also involved in various charitable causes and have supported numerous initiatives over the years.
Bacon is also famously associated with the trivia game “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” which posits that any actor can be linked to him through their film roles within six steps. This game highlights his extensive and varied filmography, emphasizing his ubiquitous presence in the film industry.
In addition to acting, Bacon is an accomplished musician. He performs with his brother Michael in their band, The Bacon Brothers, which has released several albums and tours regularly.
Watch an interview with Kevin Bacom talking about some of his most iconic characters
Watch more movies related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
