Kevin Norwood Bacon, born in Philadelphia on July 8, 1958, is an American actor and director. He made his film debut in 1978 with *Animal House*, but gained international recognition as the star of the cult film *Footloose* (1984). His long career is characterized by notable versatility, which has allowed him to portray diverse roles in highly successful films such as *Diner*, *JFK*, *Apollo 13*, the drama *Mystic River*, and the blockbuster *X-Men: First Class*. Also active in television, he has received major accolades, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for the television film *Taking Chance*, and another Golden Globe for the series *I Love Dick*. His prolific filmography has also inspired the famous game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon," which highlights his central role in the Hollywood film industry. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.