Guide Note

Kevin Kline is an award-winning American film and theater actor.

Kline studied Drama at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. After graduation, he formed the City Center Acting Company with fellow graduates, Patti Lapone and David Ogden Stiers.

He has performed many times in the New York Shakespeare Festival and won a Tony Award for his leading role in The Pirates of Penzance. He has had a long collaboration with film director, Lawrence Kasdan, starring in the films, The Big Chill, Silverado, French Kiss, I Love You to Death, and Grand Canyon.

Fast Facts

1. Born: October 24, 1947
2. Birthplace: St. Louis, MI
3. Height: 6'2"
4. Spouse: Phoebe Cates
5. Academy Award: 1988 Best Supporting Actor - A Fish Called Wanda
6. Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004

The Ladies Man

He has worked with some of Hollywood's biggest leading ladies such as, Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice, Sally Field in Soapdish, Glenn Close in The Big Chill, and Joan Allen and Sigourney Weaver in The Ice Storm.

Quotes

1. "I think every American actor wants to be a movie star. But I never wanted to do stupid movies, I wanted to do films. I vowed I would never do a commercial, or a soap opera - both of which I did as soon as I left the Acting Company and was starving."
2. "I've never felt completely satisfied with what I've done. I tend to see things too critically. I'm trying to get over that. I've got the Jewish guilt and the Irish shame and it's a hell of a job distinguishing which is which."

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