KEVIN BACON MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures

BEFORE BECOMING synonymous with a game of six degrees of separation, Kevin Norwood Bacon had a competitive spirit

“In our little world in Philadelphia, I had a famous father,” Kevin noted. “He loved the limelight.” And vowing to become better known than architect dad Edmond, Kevin left home at 17 to pursue one goal: to be a “serious actor.” Of course, he’s done that and more. But Kevin, who turned 65 on July 8, isn’t one to slow down — as an actor, musician, or in his role as husband to actress Kyra Sedgwick and father to their kids, Travis and Sosie. “I need to be busy. I’m better when I’m busy,” he’s admitted. “Maybe someday I’ll be a sit-in-the-hammock reading-a-book guy. But I haven’t reached that point yet.”

1 1978 HOUSE CALL

Before his film debut in National Lampoon’s Animal House, Kevin had been waiting tables in NYC. “[And] when I came back, I thought, ‘That’s it, baby! I am set. I’m a movie star.’ And then I didn’t work for months and months and months after that. So I had to get my job back.” Needless to say, “It was a great lesson. Very humbling.”

2 1980 DEAD ISSUE

While Friday the 13th was a success, “I’m always horrified by the fact that the number one picture that I’m asked to sign [is] me with blood coming out of my mouth and an arrow through my neck. You know, I’m a pretty easygoing guy. After a while, it just gets to you. You’re like, ‘Really, do I have to sign another picture of me dead?’”

3 1982 ROLE BACK