Kevin Norwood Bacon (born July 8, 1958) is an American film and television actor whose career spans stage, screen and music. He rose to broad public recognition in the 1980s and has continued to take a mix of leading and supporting roles in mainstream and independent projects. His name is also associated with a popular game and network concept called the "Bacon Number."

Career highlights and notable roles

Bacon's film credits include a range of genres. He is best known for the dance drama Footloose, and has appeared in political and historical films such as Apollo 13 and JFK. Other mainstream and cult titles include Wild Things and Stir of Echoes. He has played both protagonists and antagonists, moving between studio productions and smaller, character-focused films.

Background and development

Bacon began acting in the 1970s and worked in theatre before gaining screen visibility. Over decades he has balanced commercial projects with independent films and television roles, often praised for his versatility and willingness to take unconventional parts. He has also returned to the stage on several occasions.

Other activities and public image

Outside acting, Bacon performs with his brother in a rock band, has been involved in charitable initiatives and helped popularize a philanthropic web project linking celebrities and causes. He is widely recognized in popular culture not only for his films but for inspiring the parlor game often called "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon," which led to the shorthand Bacon Number for measuring link distance between actors.

  • Personal life: Married to actress Kyra Sedgwick since 1988; they have two children.
  • Range: Roles include drama, thriller, comedy and historical pieces.
  • Cultural note: His name became a symbol of connectedness in entertainment networks.

Significance and legacy

Kevin Bacon's career is notable for longevity and breadth: a mainstream breakthrough that led to steady work across different media, occasional critical acclaim, and an unusual place in popular imagination because of the game and network metaphor built around his filmography. For readers seeking filmographies, interviews or deeper analysis of his roles, consult film databases and profiles at major entertainment resources (biography, selected film credits).