Kevin Scully Geer (November 7, 1952 – January 25, 2017) was an American actor whose career spanned theatre, television and film. He began working professionally in the mid-1970s and became known as a reliable character performer, frequently cast in supporting but memorable parts. Geer worked in both New York and Los Angeles theatre circles and maintained a steady presence on television through guest roles and recurring appearances.
Stage career and acting style
Geer built much of his reputation on stage. His theater work included notable productions such as A Streetcar Named Desire (1988), The Rose Tattoo (1995), Flyovers and Side Man (both 1998), and a revival of Twelve Angry Men (2004). Critics and colleagues described him as a versatile character actor with a strong sense of timing and an ability to support leading performances without drawing attention away from them. He performed in both Broadway and Off-Broadway settings and was part of ensembles that emphasized naturalistic, dramatic storytelling.
Film and television
Geer appeared frequently on television, with guest spots and small recurring roles on series ranging from procedures to dramas. Television credits include Law & Order, M*A*S*H, Oz, China Beach, Homicide and MacGyver. His film work was similarly composed of supporting roles in studio and independent pictures. Selected screen credits include The Pelican Brief (1993), The Contender (2000), American Gangster (2007), Bunker Hill (2008) and The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009). These appearances illustrate a career built on steady professional work rather than star billing.
Background and personal life
Geer was born in Reno, Nevada, on November 7, 1952, and spent formative years in Los Angeles, California. Public information about his private life is limited; he was known in the theatrical community as a dedicated ensemble player who continued to accept a variety of roles across media. His willingness to take character parts allowed him to work with a broad array of directors and casts over four decades.
Death and legacy
Kevin Geer died of a heart attack on January 25, 2017, in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 64. Obituaries and remembrances from colleagues emphasized his professionalism and the steady contribution he made to stage productions and supporting film and television roles. While not a household name, his career is an example of a working actor who sustained decades of employment through adaptability and craft.
Selected credits
- Stage: A Streetcar Named Desire (1988), The Rose Tattoo (1995), Flyovers (1998), Side Man (1998), Twelve Angry Men (2004)
- Film: A Force of One (1979), The Pelican Brief (1993), The Contender (2000), American Gangster (2007), Bunker Hill (2008), The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)
- Television: Oz, Law & Order, Homicide, China Beach, M*A*S*H, MacGyver
For further reading or credits lists consult theatrical databases and filmography indexes that track stage and screen appearances in detail. These sources provide cast lists, production dates and archival notices for theatre runs, television episodes and movie releases.