Kevin James

Kevin James was born on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York. He grew up as the second son in a family of four children in Stony Brook, Long Island. His father, Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr., was an insurance agency owner, and his mother, Janet, worked in a chiropractor's office. From an early age, Kevin developed a love for comedy and sports, which would later significantly influence his career.

The sitcom 'The King of Queens', starring Kevin James as the lovable working-class delivery driver Doug Heffernan, premiered on September 21, 1996, on CBS. The show, which also starred Leah Remini and Jerry Stiller, became a long-running success. It showcased James's talent for physical comedy and charm, earning him a devoted audience and boosting his career in television comedy, lasting until 2007 over 9 seasons.

On July 8, 2005, Kevin James married actress Steffiana de la Cruz. The couple had met on a blind date in 2001 and dated for several years before deciding to tie the knot in a beautiful ceremony held in California. The marriage led to several collaborations between the two in both professional and personal capacities, with Steffiana often making guest appearances in Kevin's television shows and films.

Kevin James took on the role of host for the 19th Annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards on April 1, 2006. As host, he displayed his comedic prowess to a younger audience, engaging them with humor, energy, and entertaining skits. This event further expanded his appeal to a broader demographic, demonstrating his versatility and popularity as a family-friendly entertainer.

'Paul Blart: Mall Cop', a comedy film starring Kevin James as the titular character, was released on January 16, 2009. The film follows James's character, a hapless shopping mall security guard who finds himself in the midst of a hostage situation. It was a commercial success, grossing over $180 million worldwide. The film highlighted James's comedic abilities and established him as a bankable star in Hollywood comedy films.

On November 12, 2011, Kevin James was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in comedy. The star, located at 6562 Hollywood Blvd, recognized his achievements in television, particularly for his beloved role in 'The King of Queens', as well as in film. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and colleagues, celebrating his successful career.

'Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2', the sequel to the successful 2009 comedy, was released on April 17, 2015. Kevin James reprised his role as Paul Blart, the bumbling mall security guard. The film takes the character to Las Vegas for a security guard expo where he unwittingly faces another criminal plot. Despite mixed reviews, the movie performed well at the box office, further solidifying James's reputation in comedic roles.

On September 19, 2016, Kevin James returned to CBS with the sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait', where he played the role of a newly retired police officer adjusting to a new life at home with his family. The show marked his return to television after the ending of 'The King of Queens.' Although 'Kevin Can Wait' garnered decent ratings and lasted two seasons, it faced challenges with critical reception, particularly with cast changes in the second season.

Kevin James starred in the Netflix film 'Sandy Wexler' released on April 14, 2017. In this comedy, James played the role of Ted Rafferty alongside Adam Sandler, who starred as the titular character Sandy Wexler. The film is set in the 1990s and follows a talent manager navigating a quirky landscape of clients. James’s performance contributed to his ongoing collaboration with long-time friend Sandler in a series of comedic projects on Netflix.

The Netflix film 'Home Team', featuring Kevin James in the lead role, was released on January 28, 2022. The film is inspired by the life of former NFL coach Sean Payton and follows the story of how he reconnects with his son by coaching his football team during his suspension from the NFL. The role demonstrated James's ability to shift from pure comedy to a more heartwarming and inspirational character, further showcasing his acting versatility.