Kevin James
Kevin George Knipfing (born April 26, 1965), better known by his stage name Kevin James, is an American comedian and actor. In television, James played Doug Heffernan on The King of Queens from 1998 to 2007, and received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series nomination for the performance in 2006. He also was nominated for a People's Choice Award in 2017 for a starring role in the CBS sitcom Kevin Can Wait (2016–2018).
Kevin James | |
|---|---|
James in February 2011 | |
| Born | Kevin George Knipfing April 26, 1965 Mineola, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Comedian, actor, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Spouse | Steffiana de la Cruz (m. 2004) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Gary Valentine (brother) |
James has appeared in the films Hitch (2005), I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), Grown Ups (2010), Zookeeper (2011), Here Comes the Boom (2012), and Pixels (2015). He has also done voice work for Monster House, Barnyard (both 2006), and the first three films of the Hotel Transylvania franchise (2012–2018).
Early life
Kevin George Knipfing was born on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York.[1] He grew up in Stony Brook, New York.[2] He is the second son of office worker Janet and insurance agency owner Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr.[1][3] His father was German-American. James has an elder brother, comedian and actor Gary Valentine, and a sister, Leslie.[4] He and his siblings were raised Catholic. James graduated from Ward Melville High School.[5] While there, he reached the number one spot on the wrestling team, just ahead of friend and future professional wrestler Mick Foley. Both wrestled at the 145 lb weight class. A season-ending back injury to James resulted in Foley taking over the first string position.[6] James, as well as Foley, went on to study at the State University of New York at Cortland, where he played halfback on the varsity football team until another back injury permanently ended his sports hopes.[5][7]
Career
James began doing stand-up comedy in 1989, making his debut at the East Side Comedy Club on Long Island, managed by Richie Minervini.[5] He gained popularity through numerous appearances on various talk shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Dennis Miller Live, The Late Late Show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. James was listed at #76 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians. James has also done his stand-up routine on Just for Laughs, an annual comedy festival in Montreal, Quebec. Later he was on commercials for Mazzio's Italian Eatery. In 2001, James did his own stand-up special called Kevin James: Sweat the Small Stuff. He has also appeared as a musical guest on Just for Laughs. In 2018, James released another stand-up special on Netflix called Kevin James: Never Don’t Give Up.
Television
James' first television job was in 1991 on The New Candid Camera, where he used his comedy timing and improvisation skills playing the actor that pulled the practical jokes on unsuspecting people. He appeared in A&E's An Evening at the Improv in 1994.[8] James appeared on television as the announcer for the MTV sports game show SandBlast from 1994 to 1996.
James later moved to Los Angeles and befriended Ray Romano, and he guest-starred on a few episodes of Romano's hit CBS sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond. These appearances led to the development of his own sitcom, The King of Queens, which ran on the same network from September 21, 1998, to May 14, 2007, James played working class parcel delivery man Doug Heffernan who works for a company known as IPS. He is married to Carrie (Leah Remini), a sharp-tongued, ambitious secretary at a Manhattan law firm who is far less content with working-class life in Queens. Her obsessive, vindictive father, Arthur (Jerry Stiller), who is prone toward bizarre conduct, lives with them. For his work on the eighth season, James was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2006.[9]
James hosted the 2010 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards on March 27, 2010. He was nominated to be the inaugural member of the "Arm Fart Hall of Fame" in the following year's show, with host Jack Black calling him Kevin "Not-Quite-As-Good-As-Me" James. He and fellow nominee Kaley Cuoco lost in fan voting to Josh Duhamel.[10][11]
James starred in the sitcom Kevin Can Wait, which premiered on September 19, 2016.[12][13] The series was renewed for a second season,[14] before being canceled at the season's end.
In 2021, James released a new show on Netflix called The Crew.[15] It was canceled after one season.[16]
Film
After a cameo in 50 First Dates in 2004, James made his starring film debut in the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch, alongside Will Smith and Eva Mendes. In 2006, he co-starred with his Everybody Loves Raymond colleague Ray Romano in the straight-to-video comedy Grilled, and provided voice work in the animated films Monster House and Barnyard. James co-starred with Adam Sandler in the comedies I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007) and You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008), and starred in the Sandler-produced comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009). The latter film opened as the #1 film in North America with a weekend gross of $39 million, despite overwhelmingly negative reviews,[17] and eventually grossed $219 million from ticket and home video sales. James also appeared in Grown Ups, which co-starred numerous Saturday Night Live alumni and was even more universally panned, yet was highly successful at the box office.[18]
In 2011, he had a lead role with Vince Vaughn in the comedy-drama The Dilemma and then with Rosario Dawson in Zookeeper, which he wrote and produced. James also had the lead role in the 2012 mixed martial arts comedy film Here Comes the Boom.[19] He starred as well in the movie Pixels in 2015 and the following year in True Memoirs of an International Assassin, directed by Jeff Wadlow and released by Netflix on November 11, 2016.[20][21] In 2017, James co-starred with Adam Sandler in another Netflix film, Sandy Wexler.[22]
James had a lead dramatic role in the 2020 thriller film Becky. He starred as NFL head coach Sean Payton in the 2022 biographical film Home Team.
Other work
In 2007, he was the grand marshal for the Pepsi 400 promoting I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry and saying "Gentlemen, start your engines".[23] He did it again in June 2010 with friend and fellow actor Adam Sandler to promote Grown Ups, in 2012 at the fall Talladega race to promote Here Comes the Boom,[24] and in July 2013 at the Coke-Zero 400 with co-stars Sandler and Shaquille O'Neal to promote Grown Ups 2.[25] Both the 2007 Pepsi 400 command and June 2010 command at Michigan with Sandler have since been voted as two of the best and most memorable NASCAR commands in history by fans.
A web series titled Dusty Peacock produced by James and starring his brother Gary Valentine began streaming on Crackle in July 2009.[26]
In February 2020, James revived his YouTube channel which he had launched back on November 27, 2017[27] featuring short films "based on thin premises, like James eagerly waiting for a green light, misreading a hand wave, or spending birthdays by himself, but many carry a sense of melancholy and restraint."[28] By June 2020, he had over 535,000 subscribers and 28 million total views.[29]
Personal life
On June 19, 2004, James married actress Steffiana de la Cruz in California.[30] They have four children.[31]
In 2012, James stated that he is a devout Catholic.[32] In 2019, James hosted a retreat featuring Father Chad Ripperger and theologian Scott Hahn.[33]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Pinocchio | Mangiafuoco | English voice |
| 2004 | 50 First Dates | Factory Worker | |
| 2005 | Hitch | Albert Brennaman | |
| 2006 | Grilled | Dave | |
| Monster House | Officer Landers | Voice and motion capture | |
| Barnyard | Otis | Voice | |
| 2007 | I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry | Larry Valentine | |
| 2008 | You Don't Mess with the Zohan | Himself | Uncredited cameo |
| 2009 | Paul Blart: Mall Cop | Paul Blart | Also writer and producer |
| 2010 | Grown Ups | Eric Lamonsoff | |
| 2011 | The Dilemma | Nick Brannen | |
| Zookeeper | Griffin Keyes | Also writer and producer | |
| 2012 | Here Comes the Boom | Scott Voss[34] | |
| Hotel Transylvania | Frankenstein | Voice | |
| 2013 | Grown Ups 2 | Eric Lamonsoff | |
| 2015 | Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 | Paul Blart | Also writer and producer |
| Little Boy | Dr. Fox | ||
| Pixels | William Cooper | ||
| Hotel Transylvania 2 | Frankenstein | Voice | |
| 2016 | True Memoirs of an International Assassin | Sam Larson | |
| 2017 | Sandy Wexler | Ted Rafferty | |
| 2018 | Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation | Frankenstein | Voice |
| Kevin James Never Don't give up | Himself | Stand-up Comedy | |
| 2020 | Becky | Dominick | |
| Hubie Halloween | Sergeant Steve Downey | ||
| 2022 | Home Team | Sean Payton |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | A&E's An Evening at the Improv | Himself | Season 15, Episode 19 |
| 1996, 1998–1999 | Everybody Loves Raymond | Kevin Daniels / Doug Heffernan | 8 episodes |
| 1998–2007 | The King of Queens | Doug Heffernan | Lead role (207 episodes) |
| 1998 | Cosby | Episode: "Judgment Day" | |
| 1999 | Becker | Episode: "Drive, They Said" | |
| Martial Law | Dallas Hampton | Episode: "Nitro Man" | |
| 2001 | Arli$$ | Kevin | Episode: "Like No Business I Know" |
| Kevin James: Sweat The Small Stuff | Himself | Stand-up comedy special | |
| 2007 | Elmo's Christmas Countdown | Santa Claus | TV film |
| 2015 | Liv and Maddie | Mr. Clodfelter | Episode: "Cook-a-Rooney" |
| 2016–2018 | Kevin Can Wait | Kevin Gable | Lead role (48 episodes) |
| 2021 | The Crew | Kevin Gibson | Lead role (10 episodes) |
Accolades
Teen Choice Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Hitch | Choice Movie: Dance Scene[A] | Nominated | [35] |
| Choice Movie: Liplock[A] | ||||
| 2015 | Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 | Choice Movie Actor: Comedy | Nominated | [36] |
Primetime Emmy Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | The King of Queens; episode: "Pole Lox" | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | [37] |
Golden Raspberry Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry | Worst Supporting Actor | Nominated | [38] |
| Worst Screen Couple[B] | ||||
| 2013 | Grown Ups 2 | Worst Screen Combo[C] | Nominated | [39] |
| 2015 | Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 | Worst Actor | Nominated | [40] |
| Worst Picture | ||||
| Worst Screenplay | ||||
| Pixels | Worst Supporting Actor | Nominated |
People's Choice Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Kevin Can Wait | Favorite Actor in a New TV Series | Nominated | [41] |
Notes
A ^ Shared with Will Smith
B ^ Shared with Adam Sandler and Jessica Biel
C ^ Shared with the entire cast
References
- ^ a b "Kevin James Biography". FilmReference.com.
- ^ Konig, Susan (November 14, 1999). "L.I.'s Biggest Export? Try Standup Comedy". The New York Times.
Mr. James was born in Mineola, but his family soon moved to Stony Brook college, where he graduated from Ward Melville High School.
- ^ "Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr". Nl.newsbank.com. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
- ^ "Kevin James Biography". Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved August 4, 2017.
- ^ a b c Konig, Susan (November 14, 1999). "L.I.'s Biggest Export? Try Standup Comedy". The New York Times.
Mr. James was born in Mineola, but his family soon moved to Stony Brook college, where he graduated from Ward Melville High School.
- ^ WENN (July 13, 2013). "Kevin James reunited with high school wrestling pal Mick Foley on TV". Hollywood.com. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
- ^ "Search Results - Entertainment". MSN. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
- ^ "Vincent Schiavelli, Johnny Dark, Kevin James, and More!". A&E's An Evening at the Improv. Season 15. Episode 19. 1994.
- ^ "Kevin James Emmy Nominated". Emmys.com. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 16, 2010). "Kevin James to host Kids' Choice Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
- ^ "Kevin James was robbed!". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 9, 2015). "Kevin James Returns To CBS With New Family Comedy Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 21, 2016). "CBS Sets Fall 2016 Premiere Dates, Slates JonBenet Ramsey Limited Series". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on October 4, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 23, 2017). "CBS Renews 5 Freshman & 11 Returning Series, Including 'MacGyver', 'Superior Donuts', 'Life In Pieces' & 'Hawaii Five-0'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
- ^ Skopp, Sam. "The Crew Season 2 Release Date, Plot, Cast - What We Know So Far". Looper.
- ^ Kimball, Trevor (July 6, 2021). "The Crew: Cancelled at Netflix; Kevin James Comedy Not Returning for a Second Season". canceled + renewed TV shows - TV Series Finale. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
- ^ "Critics' reviews for Paul Blart:Mall Cop". metacritic.com.
- ^ "Critics' reviews for Grown Ups". metacritic.com.
- ^ "MMA-Themed Movie 'Here Comes the Boom' Starring Kevin James Releases New Trailer". Bleacher Report. June 27, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
- ^ Ramin Setoodeh (May 19, 2015). "Netflix Buys Kevin James' 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' - Variety". Variety. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
- ^ "True Memoirs of an International Assassin Premieres November 11 on Netflix". Netflix. September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
- ^ "Kevin James, Terry Crews, Rob Schneider Join Adam Sandler's 'Sandy Wexler' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. July 26, 2016.
- ^ "KEVIN JAMES NAMED GRAND MARSHAL FOR 49TH ANNUAL PEPSI 400 AT DAYTONA". daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Daytona International Speedway. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- ^ Douglass, Bryant (September 29, 2012). "Kevin James to Serve as Grand Marshall". beyondtheflag.com. FanSided, Inc. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- ^ Bianchi, Jordan (July 6, 2013). "Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Shaquille O'Neal sing command to start engines". sbnation.com. Vox Media, LLC. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
- ^ . Tilzy.tv. July 17, 2009. Archived from the original on July 22, 2009. Retrieved July 23, 2009.
- ^ "Kevin James". YouTube. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ "Will Smith And 10 Other Celebrities With Active, Interesting YouTube Channels". CinemaBlend. May 8, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ "Kevin James's YouTube Stats". Social Blade. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ Bacardi, Francesca (November 20, 2014). "Kevin James Expecting Baby No. 4 With Wife Steffiana de la Cruz!". E! Online. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
- ^ "Kevin James Welcomes Son Kannon Valentine". People. December 13, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
- ^ Mark Pattison (October 9, 2012). "Comic actor Kevin James wants to 'glorify God in every way'". TheCatholicSpirit.com. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
- ^ Hahn, Scott. "A wonderful time on retreat". Facebook. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
- ^ "Here Comes the Boom – Sony Pictures Entertainment". www.sonypictures.com.
- ^ "Teen Choice Awards (2005)". Internet Movie Database.
- ^ "Teen Choice Awards (2015)". Internet Movie Database.
- ^ "58th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". Primetime Emmy Award.
- ^ . Golden Raspberry Awards. Archived from the original on April 14, 2010.
- ^ "34th RAZZIE® "Winners": Everybody Gets Something ...Except Adam Sandler!". Golden Raspberry Awards.
- ^ . Razzies. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
- ^ . People's Choice. January 19, 2017. Archived from the original on January 20, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
External links
- Official website
- Kevin James at IMDb