Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family

Discovering My Family Connection to Kevin Bacon: A Surprising DNA Link to Hollywood Royalty

I recently made an incredible discovery — actor Kevin Bacon is actually my distant relative! This makes him the second major celebrity I’ve found in my family tree. Through genealogical research and DNA tracing, I learned that my 10th great-grandparents, John Stiles Sr. and Rachel Jane Talcot, are also Kevin Bacon’s 8th great-grandparents.

Kevin descends from Isaac Stiles, the younger brother of my 9th great-grandfather, John Stiles Jr. Although I’ve always known about the idea of “Six Degrees of Separation” famously linked to Kevin Bacon, it’s thrilling to discover that we actually share a real genetic connection!

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Kevin Bacon: From Philadelphia to Hollywood Fame

Kevin Bacon is one of Hollywood’s most recognized and respected actors. Born on July 8, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kevin was the second of three children. At just 17 years old, he moved to New York City to pursue acting professionally, training and performing at the Circle in the Square Theatre School.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Kevin Bacon’s early film appearances include the cult classics Animal House (1978) and Friday the 13th (1980). He also starred in Forty Deuce (1982) and made his Broadway debut in Getting Out (1982), performing alongside future stars Val Kilmer and Sean Penn.

His breakout role came that same year in Diner (1982), where he delivered a standout performance alongside Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Tim Daly, and Ellen Barkin. Critics and audiences alike took notice of his talent and screen presence.

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Stardom with Footloose and Beyond

In 1984, Kevin Bacon shot to superstardom with his lead role in the iconic film Footloose, which remains one of his most memorable performances to date.

Throughout the 1990s, Bacon continued to impress with an array of diverse and challenging roles in hit films like:

• Tremors (1990)

• Flatliners (1990)

• JFK (1991)

• A Few Good Men (1992)

• Apollo 13 (1995)

According to IMDb, Kevin Bacon has appeared in over 85 films and television shows, showcasing his remarkable range and commitment to his craft.

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A Versatile and Timeless Performer

Kevin Bacon’s enduring career is defined by his versatility, charisma, and ability to bring authenticity to every character he plays—whether it’s comedy, drama, or thriller.

He has long been one of my favorite actors, admired not just for his talent but now also for our shared family connection. Discovering that a Hollywood legend is part of my extended family makes my genealogy journey even more fascinating.

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Final Thoughts

From Footloose to Apollo 13 and beyond, Kevin Bacon’s legacy as a gifted performer continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Learning that he and I share a branch of the same family tree adds a deeply personal twist to the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” phenomenon — and makes my family story that much more exciting!