KEVIN JAMES
Date of Birth: April 26, 1965
Born in Mineola, New York and raised in Stony Brook, NY, Kevin James played football at Cortland University while majoring in sports management. Eventually deciding that this wasn't a career path he was going to enjoy, James returned home and took part in community theater. He also joined his brother Gary's improv group, and discovered that audiences enjoyed his comedy. James went on to perform standup on the North American circuit for the next 11 years.
In 1996, James was discovered at the Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival and went to Los Angeles where he joined the writing team for Ray Romano's hit TV sitcom, Everyone Loves Raymond. James also made his TV acting debut with several guest appearances on the show. Just two years later, James began serving as Executive Producer and starring in his own long-running hit CBS-TV sitcom, The King of Queens.
He managed to fit in guest appearances on other shows such as Cosby, Martial Law, Becker and Arli$$. His feature film debut came with a small role as a factory worker in 50 First Dates (2004), starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. Next, he nearly stole the show when he played a lovesick accountant opposite Will Smith in Hitch (2005). Other feature films include Monster House (2006), Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) Grown Ups (2010). He also provided a voice for the animated feature The Barnyard (2005).
James resides in Los Angeles with his wife, model Steffiana De La Cruz.