Kevin Kline Actor - A Look At A Remarkable Career

10 Jul, 2025

When we think about performers who truly leave a mark on both the big screen and the live stage, there are just a few names that come to mind, and one of them is certainly Kevin Kline. He's an American actor whose work has spanned over five decades, giving us so many memorable moments in front of an audience. From his beginnings on the stage to becoming a familiar face in movies, his presence has been something to behold, actually.

Born on October 24, 1947, Kevin Delaney Kline, as he is fully known, has quite literally built a career that shows a deep ability to take on different sorts of parts. He's not just a movie star; he's someone who has spent a good deal of time perfecting his craft in the theater, too. This dual focus, you know, on both stage and screen, really sets him apart and highlights his commitment to performance in all its forms.

His story began in St. Louis, Missouri, and from there, he went on to study at some very respected institutions, like the Juilliard School and the Acting Company. These early experiences helped shape the performer we know today, giving him the groundwork for a successful and long-lasting run in entertainment. We'll be looking more closely at the path this truly talented individual has followed, sort of seeing how he came to be such a celebrated figure.

Kevin Kline Actor - A Biographical Sketch
Personal Details and Background of Kevin Kline Actor
What Are Some of the Major Achievements for Kevin Kline Actor?
How Has Kevin Kline Actor Shown His Versatility?
Kevin Kline Actor on Screen and Stage - A Look at His Roles
What About the Family Life of Kevin Kline Actor?
The Early Days and Influences for Kevin Kline Actor
A Final Summary of the Article's Contents

Kevin Kline Actor - A Biographical Sketch

Kevin Delaney Kline, born on October 24, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, has, you know, carved out a truly unique spot in the performing arts. His journey from a young man in the Midwest to a celebrated figure on both Broadway and in Hollywood is quite a story. He started his more formal training at Indiana University in Bloomington, which was a step towards his true calling. After that, he moved on to the Juilliard School in New York, a place where many fine performers begin their paths. This period of study was, for him, a very important time in shaping his abilities and preparing him for the demands of a professional career.

It was in 1972 that Kevin Kline joined the Acting Company in New York, a group that was, at the time, run by some rather influential people in the theater world. This experience gave him a practical, hands-on way to develop his stage presence and work with other rising talents. Over the many years that followed, he has, in a way, become known as one of the very best actors of his time, enjoying a good deal of success in both movies and live theater. His ability to move between different kinds of roles and different performance settings is something that truly makes him stand out, you know, from many others in his field.

His career has, basically, spanned well over five decades, during which he has become a leading figure across both the stage and the big screen. He's not just an actor; he's also a singer, a comedian, a voice performer, and even a director, showing a wide range of skills. This broad set of abilities has allowed him to take on a vast array of characters, making each one his own. He has, for instance, been recognized for his work with some of the most respected honors in the entertainment world, which really speaks to the quality and impact of his performances.

Personal Details and Background of Kevin Kline Actor

Here's a quick look at some of the personal facts about this well-known performer, Kevin Kline actor, giving a little more insight into his background.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Kevin Delaney Kline
Date of Birth	October 24, 1947
Place of Birth	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Parents	Margaret and Robert Joseph Kline (his father owned several stores)
Ancestry	Father of German Jewish descent, Mother of Irish ancestry
Education	Indiana University, The Juilliard School
Spouse	Phoebe Cates (married since 1989)
Occupations	Actor, Singer, Theatre Artist, Comedian, Voice Artist, Director
Active Years	Over five decades (beginning 1972)

What Are Some of the Major Achievements for Kevin Kline Actor?

When we talk about the accomplishments of Kevin Kline, the actor, it's pretty clear he has received a good deal of recognition for his work. He has actually taken home some of the most sought-after awards in the entertainment world, which really highlights the respect he has earned from his peers and critics alike. One of his most significant wins was an Academy Award, a golden statue that, you know, signifies a top performance in film. This particular honor is, in a way, a testament to his ability to truly inhabit a character on the big screen.

Beyond his film work, Kevin Kline has also been a major force in live theater. He has, for instance, been honored with three Tony Awards, which are the highest accolades for excellence on Broadway. To have achieved such success in both movies and on stage is, quite literally, a rare feat and speaks volumes about his broad range of talents. These awards are, basically, a clear sign of his consistent quality and the impact he has had throughout his long career.

It's not just about the awards he's won, though. He has also been put forward for many other important honors, showing how consistently good his work has been. For example, he was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, which cover both film and television. He also received two BAFTA Award nominations, recognizing his contributions to British cinema, and an Emmy Award nomination for his work on television. These nominations, you know, really show that his performances are consistently considered among the very best, across different types of media.

How Has Kevin Kline Actor Shown His Versatility?

Kevin Kline, the actor, has, in some respects, become a true master of changing his performance to fit whatever role he takes on. His ability to move between very different kinds of characters, from the deeply serious to the purely funny, is one of his most striking qualities. He doesn't seem to be stuck in one type of role, which is something many performers strive for but few truly achieve. This adaptability, you know, has allowed him to have a career that is rich with varied experiences and different challenges, actually.

Think about some of his performances: he played a character with mental struggles in "Sophie's Choice," a role that required a great deal of emotional depth and a careful touch. Then, almost like a complete change, he brought a wonderfully funny and wicked character to life in another film, showing his skill with comedy. This range is pretty incredible, going from something that makes you think deeply to something that makes you laugh out loud. He also played an altruistic figure in "Cry Freedom," further demonstrating his capacity for portraying a wide spectrum of human experiences, which is, you know, quite something to behold.

His work in "The Big Chill" in 1983, for example, really helped to launch his career in film, earning him a good deal of positive feedback. He went on to deliver many memorable performances in a number of movies, always showing his ability to make each character feel real and distinct. Whether he was in a musical comedy, a modern dramatic piece, or even a classic play, he seemed completely at home. This comfort across different genres and styles is, basically, a clear sign of his remarkable talent and the broad scope of his abilities as a performer.

Kevin Kline Actor on Screen and Stage - A Look at His Roles

Throughout his extensive career, Kevin Kline, the actor, has given us a truly impressive collection of characters, both in movies and on the stage. He has a way of making each role feel unique and, you know, quite memorable, whether it's a lead part or a supporting one. His filmography, which is quite long, includes a number of well-known titles that many people have enjoyed over the years. It's almost like he brings a certain special something to every character he plays, making them stand out.

Some of his most recognized film appearances include his portrayal of Otto West in the very popular movie "A Fish Called Wanda," a role that really showcased his comedic timing and physical humor. He also took on dual roles as both President Mitchell and Dave in the film "Dave," demonstrating his ability to play two distinct personalities within the same story. In "In & Out" from 1997, he again showed his knack for comedy. These parts, you know, are just a few examples of how he has made a lasting impression on moviegoers.

Beyond these, he's been in other notable films such as "Sophie's Choice" from 1982, which was a much more serious and intense role. He also lent his voice to characters, like Mr. Calvin Fischoeder in "Bob's Burgers" and Captain Phoebus in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," showing his talent for voice work. On stage, he has also taken on classic roles, like Nick Bottom in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," proving his deep connection to the theater. His ability to move between these very different types of performances is, honestly, quite remarkable.

What About the Family Life of Kevin Kline Actor?

While much of the focus is often on his professional achievements, Kevin Kline, the actor, has also built a lasting personal life. He has been married to fellow performer Phoebe Cates since 1989, a union that has now lasted for many years. Their relationship is, you know, often spoken about as one of the more enduring in the entertainment world, which is, in a way, quite a positive thing to see. He himself has, at times, given credit to his wife for the longevity of their marriage, suggesting a strong partnership.

His family background is also part of his story. Kevin Kline was born to Margaret and Robert Joseph Kline, his father having owned several stores. This background, you know, gave him a grounding in a more typical American upbringing before he ventured into the world of acting. His father was of German Jewish descent, and his mother had Irish roots, which means he comes from a mixed heritage, adding another layer to his personal history. This personal side of his life, you know, often provides a balance to the demands of a public career.

The Early Days and Influences for Kevin Kline Actor

Kevin Delaney Kline's journey into acting wasn't necessarily a straightforward one from the very start. Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, he attended Priory High School, where he actually showed a wide range of talents that went beyond just performing. He had, for instance, a strong aptitude for music, was good at athletics, and also excelled in foreign languages. These diverse interests suggest a mind that was, in a way, always open to learning and trying new things, which is a good quality for a performer.

His skill with languages and dialects was, apparently, quite impressive to his teachers. They were so taken with his ability to master different ways of speaking that they, you know, even suggested he might pursue a career in foreign services. This shows how adaptable and quick to learn he was, even at a young age. However, despite these other promising paths, his true passion, his real love, was always for acting. This deep-seated desire eventually led him to pursue formal training and, basically, embark on the career that has made him a household name.

His early studies at places like Indiana University and then the Juilliard School were, you know, crucial in shaping his abilities. These institutions provided him with the tools and techniques he would need to succeed in a demanding field. Joining the Acting Company in 1972 further honed his craft, giving him practical stage experience. These formative years were, in a way, the bedrock upon which his long and successful career as Kevin Kline, the actor, was built, truly laying the groundwork for all that came after.

A Final Summary of the Article's Contents

This piece has explored the remarkable career of Kevin Delaney Kline, an American actor whose work has spanned over five decades on both stage and screen. We began by looking at his biographical details, including his birth in St. Louis, Missouri, and his education at the Juilliard School and the Acting Company. A table provided key personal information about him, covering his family background and marriage to Phoebe Cates. The article then discussed his significant achievements, such as winning an Academy Award and three Tony Awards, as well as his numerous nominations for other prestigious honors like the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy Awards. We also examined how he has consistently shown his versatility through a wide range of roles, moving from dramatic to comedic performances. A section was dedicated to his notable roles on both screen and stage, mentioning films like "A Fish Called Wanda," "Dave," and "Sophie's Choice," alongside his stage work. Finally, we touched upon his early life, including his varied talents in high school and the influences that led him to choose a path in acting.

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Kevin Kline - Facts, Bio, Career, Net Worth | AidWiki

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Kevin Kline: An actor's actor - CBS News

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