This Boy Lived in a ‘Flophouse’ Apartment on a $150-a-Month Budget and Now Enjoys Farm Life with Wife of 35 Years
- The famous actor in the cover picture once lived in a "flophouse" apartment on a $150-a-month budget.
- Now, he enjoys the farm life with his loving wife of 35 years.
- The couple also have two children who, like their parents, have careers in the entertainment industry.
The Hollywood star in the cover image is a revered acting icon in the entertainment industry. He has built an illustrious career through the production of incredible works in which he lit up viewers' screens, showcasing his fantastic range as an actor.
Mostly known for taking the film industry, in particular, by storm, the star has also crossed over into TV and done pretty well for himself there, too, winning a Golden Globe for an HBO production he starred in. Interestingly, before embarking on the world of television, the blue-eyed actor never saw himself doing series.
The famous actor at an event in 1984. | Source: Getty Images
During a past interview, the interviewer had asked the Golden Globe winner what his response to being offered TV roles would have been years before he decided to do TV. He answered:
"If my agent had called me and said, 'I think you should do a series.' I would have fired my agent..."
The famous actor posing for a photo, circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images
He changed his mind, in part, due to his loving wife, who works as an actress too. The Hollywood star explained that he noticed what a good time his spouse had while starring on her show and attending award shows where he would hold her dress for her. Though still reluctant, he called his agent and agreed to try his hand at television.
The famous actor posing for a portrait in Los Angeles, California on January 14, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Now, he admits, the decision was one of his best moves, and he can't envision a world where he stops accepting TV roles. As far as fellow stars in the industry whom he took inspiration from when he was a budding young actor, the famous entertainer mentioned Hollywood legend Meryl Streep:
"You know, when I started to see her film work, you know, she does one part, and then she does another part, and it's like barely recognizable, and to me, that was what I had always envisioned being an actor was, to be able to put on these different hats and become different people."
The famous actor posing for a photograph on October 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Before Making It Big in Hollywood, the Famous Actor Lived on a $150-a-Month Budget in a 'Flophouse'
The legendary actor who has walked a mile in countless characters' shoes is none other than Kevin Bacon, 65. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, Bacon made a name for himself; however, before making it big, he lived the life of a struggling actor.
Kevin Bacon at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on February 28, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
In an interview published yesterday, Bacon sat down to talk with musician and talk show host Kelly Clarkson. During their conversation, a story about how the "Hollow Man" star used to live was brought up.
Kevin Bacon at the 72nd Annual Writers Guild Awards in New York City on February 1, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Bacon recalled first moving to New York in 1976. He had grown up in Philadelphia but had visited New York a few times as his sister lived on West End Avenue.
Bacon has come a long way from his $150-a-month budget and tiny apartment to build an amazing career and a beautiful life with his family.
Kevin Bacon at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 17, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
When he moved, he said his sister let him stay on her couch for approximately four months until he got on his feet. Once he was ready to find a place of his own, he budgeted $150 a month for an apartment:
"What happened was, it was—I had figured that it was 150—I don't know where I got the math on that, but that's...what I had decided...So I went into this—I saw an ad on the back of The Village Voice, and it said, 'Artists, actors, musicians, residents.'...It was basically a flophouse, really..."
Kevin Bacon at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California on March 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
After inquiring about a room and being told that they had no single-room apartments and only two-room ones, Bacon ended up renting a place with a random classical pianist who happened to be in the rental office as well. He said they lived together for four years.
Kevin Bacon at the GQ Men of the Year event in West Hollywood, California on December 5, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Kevin Bacon and His Doting Wife of 35 Years Now Enjoy the Farm Life
Cut to a plethora of lived experiences and years later, and after living on a budget that barely covered the cost of living, Bacon forged his incredibly successful career. Aside from his professional life, Bacon is also a family man. He is the loving husband to his doting wife, Kyra Sedgwick, to whom he has been happily married for 35 years.
The pair met in 1987 on the set of "Lemon Sky," and according to Bacon, it was love at first sight. Initially, Sedgwick didn't entirely feel the same way, as she thought he was a little conceited after having just starred in the critically acclaimed movie "Footloose."
However, after a little convincing, she agreed to a first date where the two enjoyed a romantic dinner, chatted, and laughed for hours. It was the next day, according to Sedgwick, that she realized Bacon was the one for her.
Thirty-five years later, the lovebirds are still going strong. Of her husband and their over three-decade-long marriage, Sedgwick divulged:
"We've always been each other's biggest support and fans. A sense of humor is crucial. He is very freaking funny."
Sedgwick and Bacon are also doting parents to two grown kids, Travis and Sosie, who are both in their 30s. Like their parents, Travis and his sister both work in the entertainment industry. While Travis works as an artist and composer, Sosie is an actress who already has numerous acting credits to her name.
Being a dad to Sosie and Travis means everything and more to Bacon, who called them his proudest achievement in life. As doting parents, he and Sedgwick have raised very independent kids. Of his focus as a father when it came to parenting Travis and Sosie, Bacon previously disclosed:
"When I go home, I try to raise my children with honesty and integrity and teach them to take care of the world and of each other..."
Now, with his kids all grown up, independently, and successfully living their lives, Bacon and Sedgwick have been enjoying their empty nester years. In 2020, Bacon opened the doors to the farm in Connecticut he and Sedgwick share.
The couple has been enjoying the farm life with their goats, alpacas, and horses, who keep them company. One of the goats, Macon, was actually gifted to Sedgwick by Bacon on their anniversary, which she loved.
They adore their little critters so much that Bacon will even sing to them occasionally. Sitting on bales of hay, in comfortable farm gear, wearing gloves to do work, Bacon appeared completely at ease while speaking to the interviewer who was doing a profile on him at his farm.
The interviewer even noted the vast difference between the happy farm lifestyle and the crude, brutal, raunchy, corrupt FBI agent Bacon played in his series "City on a Hill," which also goes to further show his incredible range as an actor.
Bacon has come a long way from his $150-a-month budget and tiny apartment to build an amazing career and a beautiful life with his family.