I, like most of you was introduced to actor Kevin Anderson in 1991's Sleeping With The Enemy. Enemy was Julia Roberts first lead role after making a huge impact in Steel Magnolias, Pretty Woman and Mystic Pizza. I was about 15 when I went to see Enemy at the theatre an I remember thinking Kevin was cute but an odd choice for Julia's leading man. Looking back it is obvious why the producers went with Kevin. He look and presentation was a sharp contrast to that of Patrick Bergin and the movie needed a love interest for Julia who was non-threatening and Anderson's Ben was just that.
Kevin actually got his big break in film in 1993 in Risky Business.
'Yet his real career breakthrough came after appearing in the Steppenwolf production of Lyle Kessler's play ORPHANS**, when Kevin gained national critical acclaim for his riveting performance as the semi literate, frenetic brother, "Phillip." He moved with the play to New York, and then went on to reprise his role opposite Albert Finney at Hampstead and Apollo Theatre in 1986 and in the film version directed by the late Alan J. Pakula.'
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I recently finished Patti Lupone's memoir and was reminded of Kevin's talent during the chapters she discussed her time in London with Sunset Boulevard. Kevin co-starred along side Patti (although left the production before she was let go). Kevin has always had an eclectic array of credits both on screen on stage. Besides Sunset, Kevin has appeared on stage in productions including Twelfth Night, Pal Joey, Orpheus Descending, Death of a Salesman, I Never Sang for My Father and Come Back, Little Sheba.
Lupone, who puts Andrew Lloyd Webber through the ringer has nothing but good things to say about Anderson. I recommend Patti's book, a quick read full of lot of honest comments about the business. Although she likes Kevin, for the most part Patti does appear to dislike almost everyone else she has worked with. I do however appreciate her take on Webber, who although has had his fair share of hits, has also has some highly publicized misses. Sunset joins the ranks of Starlight Express and the recent Phantom remake as some of the stages biggest flops. Sunset kept from being a total failure only due it's incredible score and a couple of it's signature songs which have outlived the musical itself.
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Kevin currently is on stage in London in The Shawshank Redemption at The Wyndham's Theatre.
Above: With Reg E Cathey.
Above: with Ronan Raftery.
Below: Kevin in the film version of Orphans (1987).
Below: Kevin in The Doe Boy (2001).
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Kevin With Julia Roberts in Sleeping With The Enemy (1991).
Below: With Patti Lupone in Sunset Boulevard
Currently as stated Kevin is on stage in London in The Shawshank Production. Anderson won the 1999 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play and was nominated for a Tony Award for the revival of Death of a Salesman. Anderson's tv credits include Nothing Sacred and Skin. You can check out the only site on Anderson I could find (A good one, but not update in awhile) HERE:
Kevin in The Wrong Man (1993)
Publicity Shot above via Nudesploitation.
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Thanks to Scenes Of Male Skin for the flim clip
