Kevin Kline

Kevin Kline
Raph_PH · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Kevin Kline
Birth name	Kevin Delaney Kline
Birth date	24 October 1947
Birth place	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Occupation	Actor, singer
Years active	1972–present
Spouse	Phoebe Cates (m. 1989)

Kevin Kline

An American actor and singer, Kline is noted for his versatility across theater of the United States, film of the United States, and television in the United States. He has received major awards for both stage and screen, and is recognized for performances in classical William Shakespeare adaptations, modern comedies, and dramatic roles. Kline's career spans collaborations with prominent directors, playwrights, and companies across Broadway, Hollywood studios such as Columbia Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and ensembles including the American Conservatory Theater.

Early life and education

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Kline grew up in a family with ties to Cleveland, Ohio and attended local schools before pursuing higher education. He studied music and theater at Indiana University and later trained at the Juilliard School’s Drama Division, where he worked with teachers influenced by Stella Adler and traditions from Russian theatre. During his formative years he participated in productions connected to institutions like the Shakespeare Theatre Company and regional companies such as the Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival.

Stage career

Kline began his professional stage work in regional and repertory companies, appearing in productions that included works by William Shakespeare, Molière, and George Bernard Shaw. He co-founded or joined ensembles associated with the American Conservatory Theater and earned acclaim on Broadway for roles in plays and musicals produced by organizations like Lincoln Center Theater and producers affiliated with The Public Theater. Notable stage credits include performances in classical comedies and modern dramas, collaborating with directors who had worked at venues such as Guthrie Theater and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. His stage repertoire placed him alongside contemporaries from the Royal Shakespeare Company and attracted attention from critics at publications tied to The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Film career

Transitioning to film, Kline worked with directors from studios including Paramount Pictures, Miramax, and Columbia Pictures, appearing in comedies, period pieces, and adaptations of literature. He earned accolades for performances in films that engaged with material by authors such as Jane Austen (adaptations), and collaborated with filmmakers like Nora Ephron, James L. Brooks, and Stanley Donen. Kline's screen roles put him opposite actors including Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, and Jodie Foster, and he appeared in projects showcased at festivals like the Cannes Film Festival and the Telluride Film Festival. His filmography spans supporting and leading parts in commercial releases distributed by companies such as Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox.

Television and voice work

On television, Kline has made guest appearances and starred in productions broadcast by networks including NBC, CBS, and HBO. He has contributed voice performances to animated features and series produced by studios like Disney and DreamWorks Animation, working with voice directors who also collaborated with performers from ensembles such as The Simpsons and Family Guy. His narration and voice roles have been used in adaptations of literary works and family-oriented films that aired on cable outlets including Showtime and Netflix acquisitions.

Awards and honours

Kline's achievements include recognition from institutions such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Tony Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild; he has received both competitive awards and nominations. He won a Tony Award for a leading role on Broadway and has been nominated for an Academy Award for his film work. Additional honors include critics' prizes from organizations like the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and lifetime or distinguished achievement acknowledgments from regional theaters and festivals, including those associated with Lincoln Center.

Personal life

Kline is married to actress Phoebe Cates, with whom he has two children; the family has resided in areas linked to New York City and Brunswick County, North Carolina and maintained connections to arts communities in Los Angeles and Newport Beach. He has supported cultural institutions such as The Juilliard School and regional theaters, and participated in benefits for organizations including The Actors Fund and charities associated with arts education. Known for a private demeanor, he balances stage work, film projects, and family life while occasionally engaging in interviews with outlets like The New Yorker and Vanity Fair.

Category:American film actors Category:American stage actors Category:Tony Award winners Category:1947 births Category:Living people