Kevin Kline Then and Now

Kevin Kline Then

Kevin Kline, born on October 24, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, emerged as a distinguished figure in American theater and film, influenced profoundly by his upbringing and early academic pursuits.

Raised in a household where classical music and opera held sway, Kline’s formative years were steeped in artistic exposure, spending considerable time in his family’s record store. 

Despite his father’s Jewish heritage, Kline was raised within the Catholic faith alongside his three siblings, a background that would shape his cultural outlook and artistic sensibilities.

Upon completing high school, Kline embarked on his academic journey at Indiana University in Bloomington, initially drawn to music but ultimately pivoting towards theater and speech during his final years of study. 

It was during this period that he co-founded an off-campus theatrical troupe, marking the beginning of his active engagement in the performing arts. 

His interactions with fellow actor Jonathan Banks and the formation of theatrical collaborations underscored Kline’s early commitment to honing his craft and exploring diverse creative avenues.

In 1970, Kline’s talent and dedication earned him a scholarship to the Juilliard School in New York City, a pivotal moment in his career trajectory. 

Although Juilliard was in its nascent stages at the time, lacking the renowned status it would later achieve, Kline thrived in its rigorous environment.

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Collaborating with fellow Juilliard students such as Patti LuPone and David Ogden Stiers, he co-founded the City Center Acting Company, which later evolved into a celebrated ensemble known simply as “The Acting Company.” 

This collective endeavor not only sharpened Kline’s acting skills but also solidified his commitment to the theatrical arts and set the stage for his future successes on Broadway and beyond.

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Kevin Kline Acting Career

Kevin Kline’s career spans theater, film, and television, marked by a versatile range of roles and notable achievements. 

His journey into acting began in earnest when he joined The Acting Company in 1972, a repertory theater group co-founded by John Houseman. 

Over the next four years, Kline honed his craft while touring with the troupe, performing in a wide array of classical and contemporary plays.

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This early experience laid a solid foundation for his future success on both stage and screen.

Kline made his Broadway debut in 1973 and quickly established himself as a formidable talent. 

His breakthrough came in 1978 with his Tony Award-winning performance in the musical comedy “On the Twentieth Century,” where he showcased his comedic timing and stage presence. 

He further solidified his Broadway acclaim by winning a second Tony Award for his portrayal of the Pirate King in the 1980–81 revival of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance.”

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This role not only highlighted his singing ability but also demonstrated his versatility as a leading actor in musical theater.

In 1982, Kline made a significant impact on the silver screen with his film debut in “Sophie’s Choice,” starring alongside Meryl Streep. 

His portrayal of Sophie’s mentally unbalanced lover earned critical acclaim and marked the beginning of his successful film career.

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Kline continued to impress with diverse roles in films such as “The Big Chill” (1983), “Silverado” (1985), and “Cry Freedom” (1987), showcasing his ability to inhabit characters across various genres, from drama to comedy to romance.

One of Kline’s most memorable film roles came in 1988 with “A Fish Called Wanda,” where he played the eccentric and bumbling Otto. 

His performance in this British-American comedy earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his status as a versatile and accomplished actor in Hollywood.

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Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Kline continued to deliver standout performances in films like “Dave” (1993), “In & Out” (1997), and “The Ice Storm” (1997), demonstrating his adeptness in both leading and supporting roles across a spectrum of cinematic genres.

In addition to his film work, Kline maintained a strong presence in theater, collaborating with prestigious institutions like the New York Shakespeare Festival. 

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His return to Broadway in 2017 in Noël Coward’s “Present Laughter” earned him another Tony Award, highlighting his enduring impact and versatility in live theater.

Beyond his theatrical and cinematic achievements, Kline’s involvement in projects like “The Investigation: A Search for the Truth in Ten Acts” (2019), where he portrayed Robert Mueller in a dramatic reading, showcased his commitment to engaging with socially relevant narratives.

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Throughout his career, Kevin Kline has exemplified a rare blend of talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft, earning acclaim and recognition across multiple platforms. 

Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or in dramatic readings, Kline’s contributions to the arts continue to resonate, solidifying his legacy as a distinguished actor of his generation.

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Kevin Kline Movies

• Sophie’s Choice (1982)
• The Big Chill (1983)
• Silverado (1985)
• Violets Are Blue… (1986)
• Cry Freedom (1987)
• A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
• January Man (1989)
• The January Man (1989)
• Quick Change (1990)
• Soapdish (1991)
• Grand Canyon (1991)
• Chaplin (1992)
• Dave (1993)
• The Nutcracker (1993)
• French Kiss (1995)
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
• Fierce Creatures (1997)
• In & Out (1997)
• The Ice Storm (1997)
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999)
• Wild Wild West (1999)
• The Road to El Dorado (2000)
• Life as a House (2001)
• The Emperor’s Club (2002)
• De-Lovely (2004)
• As You Like It (2006)
• Trade (2007)
• The Pink Panther (2006)
• Definitely, Maybe (2008)
• Queen to Play (2009)
• The Extra Man (2010)
• No Strings Attached (2011)
• The Conspirator (2010)
• The Last of Robin Hood (2013)
• Last Vegas (2013)
• My Old Lady (2014)
• Ricki and the Flash (2015)
• Dean (2016)
• Beauty and the Beast (2017)
• Alan Pakula: Going for Truth (2019)
• Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019)
• Creating a Character: The Moni Yakim Legacy (2020)
• The Good House (2021)
• Here Today (2021)
• Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age (2021)
• Delivering Hope (2021)
• The Starling (2021)
• The Bob’s Burgers Movie (2022)

Kevin Kline’s Wife and Children

Kevin Kline’s personal life has been intertwined with his successful acting career, marked by a longstanding relationship with actress Phoebe Cates. 

The two first crossed paths in 1983, and their romantic journey began shortly thereafter, culminating in marriage six years later in 1989.

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Their union, characterized by a deep connection and shared interests, led them to establish their home in the vibrant Upper East Side of Manhattan, a place that mirrored their cosmopolitan lifestyles and provided a nurturing environment for their growing family.

Throughout their years together, Kevin and Phoebe have navigated the joys and challenges of parenthood, blessed with two children who have brought immense fulfillment to their lives.

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Their daughter, Greta Kline, has carved out her own path in the arts, emerging as the lead vocalist for the indie rock band Frankie Cosmos. 

Greta’s artistic pursuits reflect her parents’ creative lineage, showcasing a blend of talent and passion inherited from her esteemed family background.

However, their journey as parents has not been without its hardships. Kevin and Phoebe faced a significant health challenge when their son Owen was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.

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This diagnosis sparked a profound commitment from Kevin to advocate for diabetes research and support initiatives aimed at finding a cure. 

His involvement with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) became a central focus, driven by a personal mission to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals affected by this condition.

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In summary, Kevin Kline’s personal life with Phoebe Cates is a testament to enduring love, shared aspirations, and a commitment to family. 

Their journey together in Manhattan, enriched by the creative endeavors of their children and their advocacy for diabetes research, underscores their resilience and compassion as a couple deeply invested in both their family and the broader community.

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Kevin Kline Now

Kevin Kline, at 76 years old, stands as a distinguished figure in American entertainment, renowned for his versatile talents across stage, screen, and voice acting. 

With a career spanning over five decades, Kline has left an indelible mark as a leading man, celebrated for his nuanced performances and ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles.

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His extensive body of work reflects a commitment to artistic excellence, earning him accolades that include an Academy Award, three Tony Awards, and nominations for prestigious honors such as the British Academy Film Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.

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In his recent endeavor, Kevin Kline lent his voice to “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” in 2022, showcasing his talent as a voice artist. 

This animated feature further demonstrates Kline’s willingness to explore new creative avenues while continuing to enrich his expansive career portfolio.

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Beyond his artistic achievements, Kline’s impact extends to philanthropic endeavors and advocacy, including his involvement in causes related to the arts and humanitarian efforts.

As Kevin Kline continues to evolve as an actor, comedian, and voice artist, his enduring legacy remains a testament to his passion for storytelling, dedication to craft, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

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With each new role and project, Kline continues to captivate audiences and solidify his status as one of Hollywood’s most revered and versatile talents, leaving an indelible imprint on the entertainment industry.

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