Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kevin Bacon’s Net Worth?
Kevin Bacon, a celebrated American actor and musician, has amassed a net worth of $45 million. This substantial figure represents the combined financial success he shares with his wife, actress Kyra Sedgwick. Bacon’s career, spanning decades, showcases his versatility and talent in both family-oriented and more challenging roles, with his performance in the 1984 film “Footloose” remaining a career highlight.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kevin Norwood Bacon was born on July 8, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of six children. His father, Edmund Norwood Bacon, was a well-known architect in Philadelphia, contributing significantly to the city’s urban planning and development. Edmund Bacon’s influence on Philadelphia’s landscape includes his work with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission from 1949 to 1970. Kevin’s mother, Ruth Hilda (née Holmes), was an elementary school teacher, instilling in him an appreciation for education and the arts.
While in high school, Bacon’s artistic talents earned him a full scholarship to a summer academy for gifted students. This five-week program ignited his passion for acting, setting the stage for his future career. At the age of 17, Bacon made the bold decision to move to New York City to pursue his dreams of becoming a theater actor. Despite early roles, including a debut in the film “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” Bacon’s career did not immediately take off. He supplemented his income by working as a waiter while taking roles in soap operas such as “Search for Tomorrow” and “Guiding Light.”
Breakthrough in the 1980s
The 1980s marked a turning point in Kevin Bacon’s career. He secured a role in the horror film “Friday the 13th,” which helped to establish him in the film industry. He also took on more prominent theater roles, honing his craft and gaining recognition on stage. In 1982, Bacon made his Broadway debut in “Slab Boys,” further solidifying his presence in the theater world. That same year, his appearance in the film “Diner” brought him to the attention of movie critics and audiences alike. “Diner” served as a springboard for Bacon’s career, leading to his iconic role in “Footloose.”
To prepare for his role in “Footloose,” Bacon reportedly attended a local high school under a false name, immersing himself in the world of teenagers to better understand their behaviors and attitudes. This dedication to his craft earned him critical acclaim for his performance in the film. However, the success of “Footloose” also presented challenges for Bacon. Determined to avoid being typecast, he intentionally rejected roles similar to those he had played in “Diner” and “Footloose.” This decision, while intended to diversify his career, initially led to fewer opportunities and a period of relative stagnation. He was very weary of his career taking a nosedive because of being typecasted for particular movie roles.
Career Reinvention in the 1990s and Beyond
Kevin Bacon experienced a resurgence in his career in the 1990s, securing prominent roles in films such as “Tremors” and “Flatliners.” Despite this success, Bacon recognized that he might not achieve the status of a traditional leading man. Consequently, he strategically reinvented himself as a character actor, a move that resulted in some of his most memorable performances. Bacon worked on notable films such as “JFK” and “A Few Good Men,” showcasing his range and versatility as an actor.
During this period, Bacon balanced his time between theater work and well-received film roles in movies such as “Murder in the First,” “Apollo 13,” “Sleepers,” and “Picture Perfect.” In 2000, Bacon took on the lead role in the horror film “Hollow Man,” demonstrating his willingness to explore diverse genres. In 2003, he secured a significant role in Clint Eastwood’s critically acclaimed film “Mystic River,” further solidifying his reputation as a respected actor. Bacon also received considerable praise for his dark and intricate leading role in the 2004 film “The Woodsman.” In 2011, he portrayed a mutant villain in “X-Men: First Class,” adding another dimension to his repertoire.
From 2013 to 2015, Bacon starred in the television program “The Following,” earning a Saturn Award for his performance. In 2012, he appeared in a series of commercials for the EE mobile network in the United Kingdom, capitalizing on the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” concept. In 2015, Bacon became the face of the egg industry in the United States, featuring in various commercials. From 2016 to 2017, Bacon starred in the Amazon Prime series “I Love Dick,” for which he received a Golden Globe Award nomination. Additionally, from 2019 to 2022, he starred in Showtime’s “City on a Hill.” In 2022, Bacon made a cameo appearance as himself in “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” on Disney+ and played roles in “Space Oddity,” “They/Them,” and “One Way.” Kevin Bacon’s net worth has been steadily increasing due to these diverse acting opportunities.
The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon
The concept of “Six Degrees of Separation” has become inextricably linked with Kevin Bacon. This theory posits that every person on Earth is connected to every other person through a maximum of six mutual acquaintances. The connection began with a trivia game called “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” possibly inspired by Bacon’s own statement that he had worked with “everybody in Hollywood or someone who’s worked with them.” The game’s popularity transformed Bacon into a worldwide meme, solidifying his place in popular culture.
Personal Life and Relationships
Kevin Bacon has been married to actress Kyra Sedgwick since September 4, 1988. The couple met on the set of the PBS film “Lemon Sky,” marking the beginning of their long and successful relationship. Together, they have appeared in several films, including “Pyrates” (1986), “Lemon Sky” (1988), “Murder in the First” (1995), “The Woodsman” (2004), and “Loverboy” (2005), which Bacon directed. They have two children together: Travis Sedgwick Bacon, born on June 23, 1989, and Sosie Ruth Bacon, born on March 15, 1992. The family resides in Manhattan, New York City. Prior to his marriage to Kyra Sedgwick, Kevin Bacon was in a long-term relationship with actress Tracy Pollan, further highlighting his connections within the entertainment industry.
Financial Losses and Investments
Despite their substantial net worth, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick experienced significant financial losses due to Bernie Madoff’s infamous Ponzi scheme. The couple reportedly lost tens of millions of dollars, with estimates ranging from $30 million to $40 million. This unfortunate experience underscores the vulnerability of even the wealthiest individuals to financial fraud and mismanagement. Details of Kevin Bacon’s specific investment portfolio with Bernie Madoff are not publicly available, but it highlights the risks associated with investment strategies.
Real Estate Holdings
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick have made several notable real estate investments over the years. In December 2011, they purchased a home in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles for $2.5 million. The property, located at 2475 Glendower Road, offers a private and secluded retreat for the couple. They also own a 40-acre rural property in Sharon, Connecticut, which they acquired in the 1990s. This estate at 176 Mudge Pond Road provides a tranquil escape from city life. Furthermore, they maintain a large and expensive apartment in New York City with views of Central Park, solidifying their presence in the city’s real estate market. The exact address of this property is not publicly disclosed.
Awards and Recognition
Kevin Bacon has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2003, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry. His star, located at 6356 Hollywood Boulevard, is a testament to his contributions to film and television. He won a Golden Globe Award in 2010 for his performance in the television film “Taking Chance,” recognizing his talent and versatility as an actor. Additionally, Bacon has won two Screen Actors Guild Awards, further acknowledging his achievements in the field of acting.
In addition to these honors, Bacon has received several other notable awards, including a Saturn Award for his role in “The Following.” He has been nominated for countless awards over the course of his career, reflecting the consistent recognition of his work by his peers and the industry. In 2009, The Guardian described him as “one of the best actors to never receive an Academy Award nomination,” highlighting the perception that his talent has been underappreciated by the Academy Awards. The various awards and nominations contribute positively to Kevin Bacon’s net worth by enhancing his reputation and demand in the industry.
