Can you guess the iconic actor who once lived in a rundown New York “flophouse” for just $150 a month before eventually building a peaceful life on a farm with his family?
Today, this actor enjoys a much quieter lifestyle filled with farm animals, gardening, and fresh vegetables. But his humble beginnings were a world away from his current life. From a young age, he already knew that acting was what he wanted to pursue.
After going to the movies as a child, he would return home and immediately dress up as characters from the films, completely losing himself in his imagination. One of his favorite childhood toys was actually a box of old clothes his mother had saved for him. He would use them to create costumes and bring his make-believe world to life.
Wanted the “real thing”
In 1976, after leaving Philadelphia, the aspiring actor headed to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. At first, he spent months sleeping on his sister’s couch before finding an inexpensive place through an advertisement in the Village Voice.
It was a basic, no-frills “artist’s residence” that fit his limited budget. The apartment wasn’t exactly luxurious, and he didn’t even have the place to himself. He shared it with a roommate.
His roommate happened to be a classical pianist, and the two lived together for four years. Looking back, the actor has recalled enjoying the peaceful sound of piano music drifting through the apartment late at night.
During his time in New York, he also appeared in a production at the Circle in the Square Theater School. Reflecting on those early years, he once told Cosmopolitan’s Nancy Mills, “I wanted life, man, the real thing.”
He explained that the message he received at the time was that art and creative expression were incredibly important, while business was viewed as something negative.
So, can you guess which determined young actor we’re talking about?
He has a tall, lean appearance and a distinctive combination of ruggedness and charm. His square jaw, prominent cheekbones, light brown hair, and deep-set eyes have become part of his recognizable look. Over the years, his relaxed and timeless style has helped make him a favorite among movie fans.
Well, we won’t keep you guessing for too long.
While this future Golden Globe winner was living in that tiny $150-a-month space, he was working toward the breakthrough that would eventually change his life.
From struggling actor to household name
A few years later, his career would take off.
He went on to appear in memorable movies including Footloose, Beauty Shop, and The Woodsman, eventually becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors.
The actor is Kevin Bacon.
His journey from a young man trying to make it in New York City to an established Hollywood star is remarkable. But these days, Bacon’s life looks very different from those early years.
Kevin Bacon and his wife, actress Kyra Sedgwick, have a 40-acre farm in Sharon, Connecticut, where they enjoy spending time away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Their farm is home to a variety of animals, including goats, pigs, alpacas, and miniature horses.
The couple has also embraced gardening and growing their own food, making their rural lifestyle even more enjoyable.
“I love animals, they are a joy to be around, and they’re very, very calming for me,” Bacon said. “But we also really love to go into the garden and get fresh herbs or tomatoes or basil or peppers or zucchini.”
From sharing a modest apartment in New York for $150 a month to becoming a successful actor and enjoying life on a 40-acre farm, Kevin Bacon’s story is certainly a remarkable one.