Kevin James (born Kevin George Knipfing) is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and screenwriter.
He is best known for starring as Doug Heffernan in the CBS sitcom The King of Queens, as well as for his roles in Hitch, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups, Here Comes the Boom, Pixels, Kevin Can Wait, and the Hotel Transylvania film series.
Renowned for his relatable comedic style and successful career in stand-up comedy, James has become one of Hollywood’s most recognisable comedy stars.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Kevin George Knipfing
- Stage Name: Kevin James
- Born: April 26, 1965
- Age: 61 years old
- Birthplace: Mineola, New York, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White (German descent)
- Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Screenwriter
- Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
- Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic)
- Parents: Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr. and Janet Knipfing
- Siblings: Gary Valentine and Leslie Knipfing
- Spouse: Steffiana de la Cruz (m. 2004)
- Children: Sienna-Marie James, Shea Joelle James, Kannon Valentine James, and Sistine Sabella James
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $100 million USD
Early Life and Education
Kevin James was born on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York, and was raised in Stony Brook, Long Island. He is the son of Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr., an insurance agency owner, and Janet Knipfing, a chiropractic office worker.
He grew up alongside his older brother, Gary Valentine, who also became a comedian and actor, and his younger sister, Leslie Knipfing.
During his youth, James was an accomplished athlete and wrestled alongside future WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley while attending high school.
He graduated from Ward Melville High School before attending the State University of New York at Cortland, where he studied sports management.
Career
Kevin James began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian on Long Island during the late 1980s. His energetic performances quickly earned him appearances on television talk shows and comedy specials, eventually leading to a recurring role on Everybody Loves Raymond.
His major breakthrough came in 1998 when he was cast as Doug Heffernan in The King of Queens, a sitcom that ran for nine successful seasons and established him as one of television’s leading comedic actors.
His performance earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Following the success of television, James built a thriving film career by starring in hit comedies including Hitch, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups, Zookeeper, Here Comes the Boom, Pixels, and Hubie Halloween.
Beyond acting, he has worked as a producer, writer, and creator on several projects, including Kevin Can Wait and the Netflix comedy series The Crew, further solidifying his reputation as one of America’s most successful comedians.
Awards and Nominations
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (The King of Queens)
- People’s Choice Award nominations
- Kids’ Choice Award nominations
- Multiple Teen Choice Award nominations
Social Media
- Instagram: @kevinjamesofficial
- Facebook: Kevin James
- X (formerly Twitter): Not publicly active
- TikTok: @kevinjamesofficial
Personal Life
Kevin James, 61, has been married to actress and model Steffiana de la Cruz since 2004. Together they have four children: Sienna-Marie James, Shea Joelle James, Kannon Valentine James, and Sistine Sabella James.
James enjoys mixed martial arts, football, golf, and spending time with his family. He is also involved in charitable activities supporting children’s organisations and community initiatives.
Net Worth
Kevin James has an estimated net worth of $100 million USD. His wealth has been accumulated through television sitcoms, blockbuster comedy films, stand-up comedy tours, producing, writing, voice acting, streaming projects, endorsement partnerships, and long-running syndication royalties.
Filmography
- The King of Queens
- I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
- Grown Ups
- Zookeeper
- Grown Ups 2
- Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
- Pixels
- Hubie Halloween
- The Crew
- Hotel Transylvania film series (voice)