The Humble Horror Origins of Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon is a household name in Hollywood, with a career that has spanned over four decades. From his early days in "Footloose" to his more recent work in "The Following," Bacon has proven himself to be a versatile actor capable of taking on a wide range of roles. But did you know that Bacon got his start in the horror genre? In this article, we'll explore the horror origins of Kevin Bacon and how it helped shape his career.

Bacon's first major role in a horror movie came in 1980 with "Friday the 13th." The film was a low-budget slasher flick that followed a group of camp counsellors who are stalked and killed by an unknown assailant. Bacon played the role of Jack, one of the counsellors who meets a gruesome end at the hands of the killer. Though Bacon's screen time was limited, his performance in "Friday the 13th" helped establish him as a young actor to watch.

In the years that followed, Bacon continued to take on roles in horror movies, including "The Demon Murder Case" and "Tremors." But it was his performance in the 1990 film "Flatliners" that really solidified his status as a horror movie icon. The film followed a group of medical students who conduct experiments to see what happens when a person dies and is brought back to life. Bacon played the role of David Labraccio, a student who becomes addicted to the thrill of death and ultimately meets a tragic end. Bacon's performance in "Flatliners" was praised by critics and audiences alike, and the film went on to become a cult classic.

Bacon's work in horror movies helped establish him as a versatile actor capable of taking on a wide range of roles. He proved that he could handle the intense physical demands of the genre while still delivering nuanced performances that drew audiences in. But perhaps more importantly, Bacon's work in horror helped establish him as an actor who was willing to take risks and tackle challenging material.

In the years since his horror movie debut, Bacon has continued to work in a variety of genres. He's starred in dramas like "A Few Good Men" and "Mystic River," comedies like "My Dog Skip" and "Crazy, Stupid, Love," and action movies like "X-Men: First Class" and "Black Mass." But despite his success in other genres, Bacon has never strayed too far from his horror movie roots. He's returned to the genre several times over the years, including in the 2011 film "Crazy, Stupid, Love," which saw him play a retired hitman with a dark past.

In conclusion, Kevin Bacon's horror movie roots helped shape his career and establish him as a versatile actor capable of taking on a wide range of roles. His work in the genre helped establish him as an actor who was willing to take risks and tackle challenging material, and his performances in films like "Friday the 13th" and "Flatliners" have cemented his status as a horror movie icon. But perhaps most importantly, Bacon's horror movie work showed that he had the talent and the range to become one of Hollywood's most enduring and beloved actors.