Born:
Kevin James Overview:
Quick Kevin James Overview:
- Kevin James was born and raised in Stony Brook, New York.
- He began performing stand-up in the late 1980s and toured the club circuit for years before his big break.
- In 1998, James co-created and starred on his own CBS sitcom, The King of Queens. It ran for nine seasons.
- James' first comedy special, Sweat the Small Stuff, debuted on Comedy Central in 2001.
- In 2005, James made his feature film debut in the Will Smith romantic comedy Hitch.
- In 2009, James headlined the comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
Early Kevin James:
Kevin James: Stand-up:
The King of Queens:
Kevin James on Film:
James recorded his first (and only) stand-up special, Sweat the Small Stuff, for Comedy Central in 2001.
In 2005, James made the leap to the big screen with a supporting role in the Will Smith romantic comedy Hitch. The film was a huge hit and James garnered extremely positive reviews for his work.
In 2007, James co-starred with Adam Sandler in the comedy I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, a film (sort of) addressing the issue of same-sex marriage. The film scored another hit for James and began a successful partnership with Sandler.
In 2009, James got his first starring role in the Adam Sandler-produced Paul Blart: Mall Cop. The movie was a surprise smash and went on to gross $137 million in the U.S., cementing James' status as a comedic leading man.
In 2010, he costarred alongside Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock and Rob Schneider in the comedy Grown Ups.
Additional Kevin James Facts:
- James was named #89 in a Comedy Central poll of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.
- His brother, Gary Valentine, is also a comedian and co-starred on The King of Queens as Heffernan's cousin Danny.
- In high school, James wrestled on the same team as future WWE superstar Mick Foley.
- In addition to The King of Queens and Everybody Loves Raymond, James played the character of Doug Heffernan on CBS sitcoms Becker and Cosby.
