Kevin Kline earned his first Tony Award in 1978 for his performance as Bruce Granit in the musical On the Twentieth Century. This recognition marked the beginning of a prolific career that transitioned from classical repertory theater to a versatile presence in both television miniseries and major feature films throughout the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
Early Development and Stage Foundations
Born in St. Louis in 1947, Kline was raised in the Catholic faith. He graduated from the Saint Louis Priory School in 1965 before enrolling at Indiana University Bloomington, where he graduated in 1970. He refined his craft at the Juilliard School, eventually co-founding the City Center Acting Company in 1972. Under the direction of John Houseman, he toured extensively performing classical works. By 1978, his stage success culminated in a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, followed by a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for his performance in The Pirates of Penzance in 1981.
Transition to Cinema
Kline made his film debut in 1982 with Sophie's Choice. His cinematic career expanded through collaborations with director Lawrence Kasdan, beginning with The Big Chill in 1983 and the western Silverado in 1985. He received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1988 comedy A Fish Called Wanda. His filmography continued with roles in productions such as Cry Freedom, The January Man, Soapdish, Grand Canyon, Chaplin, and the 1993 film Dave.
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Throughout his career, Kline maintained a commitment to theater, receiving a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play in 2004 and a Tony Award for his work in the 2017 revival of Noël Coward's Present Laughter. His film work includes the 1997 drama The Ice Storm and the comedy In & Out. He provided voice work for The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Road to El Dorado. In 2003, he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame.
Television and Recent Projects
Kline's television career began in 1976 with the soap opera Search for Tomorrow. He later received a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2008 for his performance in the television movie Cyrano de Bergerac, a project for which he also earned a Primetime Emmy nomination. Since 2011, he has provided the voice for the character Calvin Fischoeder in the animated series Bob's Burgers. In 2024, he appeared in the Apple TV+ miniseries Disclaimer.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, St. Louis
- Education: Saint Louis Priory School, Juilliard School, Indiana University Bloomington
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor: 1989
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical: 1981
- Inducted into American Theatre Hall of Fame: 2003
- First professional stage role: 1972
- Citizenship: United States
- Religion: Catholicism
Questions readers ask
What was Kevin Kline's film debut?
His film debut was in the 1982 production Sophie's Choice.
Has Kevin Kline won a Tony Award?
Yes, he has won three Tony Awards, including honors in 1978, 1981, and 2017.
What animated series features Kevin Kline as a voice actor?
He provides the voice for the character Calvin Fischoeder in the animated sitcom Bob's Burgers.
