KEVIN JAMES

Kevin James: A Comprehensive Biography

Kevin James, born Kevin George Knipfing on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer renowned for his roles in television and film. Raised in Stony Brook, Long Island, James was the youngest of three children in the Knipfing family. His father, Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr., owned an insurance agency, while his mother, Janet (née Klein), worked as an office worker. James attended Ward Melville High School, where he was active in sports, participating in football and wrestling. He later attended the State University of New York at Cortland, majoring in sports management before transitioning to a career in comedy .

Early Career and Breakthrough

James began his career in the late 1980s performing stand-up comedy at clubs on Long Island. His big break came when he was invited to perform on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," which led to more opportunities in television and film. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Doug Heffernan on the CBS sitcom "The King of Queens," which aired from 1998 to 2007. James's performance earned him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2006 .

Film Career

James's film career includes leading roles in several successful comedies. He starred in "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" (2009), "Grown Ups" (2010), "Zookeeper" (2011), "Here Comes the Boom" (2012), and "Pixels" (2015). In addition to acting, James has contributed as a writer and producer on various projects. He wrote and produced the sequel "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2" (2015) and served as an executive producer on the sitcom "Kevin Can Wait" (2016–2018), which reunited him with his "King of Queens" co-star Leah Remini .

Personal Life

James married actress Steffiana de la Cruz in 2004, and the couple has four children: daughters Sienna-Marie (born 2005) and Shea Joelle (born 2007), son Kannon Valentine (born 2011), and daughter Sistine Sabella (born 2015) . The family resides in Delray Beach, Florida.

Recent Projects

In recent years, James has continued to expand his career. He starred in the Netflix family comedy "Home Team" (2022), portraying NFL coach Sean Payton. He also appeared in the action-comedy film "Becky" (2020), where he played a villainous role, showcasing his versatility as an actor . Looking ahead, James is set to star in the upcoming romantic comedy film "Solo Mio," scheduled for release in February 2026 .

Kevin James's career reflects his adaptability and enduring appeal in the entertainment industry. From his stand-up comedy roots to his success in television and film, James has established himself as a beloved figure in American comedy.