You know his name and his fame in classic films, but his path to stardom was far from glamorous — from growing up in a narrow 18-foot-wide townhouse to surviving on a $150-a-month housing budget and sleeping on couches.

For some, the journey to Hollywood stardom often begins far from the glitz and glamour we associate with fame. For this iconic actor, it started in a cramped townhouse and continued through lean years of scraping by in New York City.

Before he became a household name, he faced the struggles of small spaces, big dreams, and relentless determination. Take a closer look at this Hollywood icon’s journey over the years — from his humble beginnings to becoming a star, losing “millions,” and his life today on a farm.

From Narrow Townhouses to New York Dreams

Growing up in Philadelphia as the youngest of six children, this actor spent his early years in a townhouse with his parents, Ruth, a teacher, and Edmund, an architect.

“There were a lot of stairs, and everything was very, very narrow — I think the house was only about 18ft wide. I loved growing up there,” he shared in an interview.

Although his older siblings had moved out by the time he was young, the house was far from quiet. Monday nights brought the sounds of garbage trucks rolling through the streets, which oddly became a source of comfort. “To me, the sound of garbage being collected was soothing,” he revealed.

His parents’ passion for politics and activism shaped his environment. His mother often took him to anti-Vietnam War rallies in Washington, D.C., while his father would return home fuming about the injustices of the war.

However, the family’s convictions did not leave a lasting impression on their youngest son. “When I left home, I wasn’t thinking about the world. I was really just thinking about me,” he admitted.

At 17, the future Hollywood icon left Philadelphia for New York City, determined to make it as an actor. Initially, he stayed with one of his sisters, sleeping on her couch in a modest apartment near the 77th and Broadway subway station.

Reflecting on those early days during a 2023 appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” he shared, “She was very nice to let me sleep on her couch,” evoking laughter from the audience.

Eventually, he moved into what he referred to as a “flop house,” sharing space with other artists and musicians. Life was tough, and the accommodations were far from glamorous, including an enclosed room that required a heavy steel bar to lock at night.

At one point in 1976, he had a budget of $150 for an apartment, later joking on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” that this only afforded him a closet in the Big Apple. Despite these challenges, the young actor remained focused on his dreams.

He juggled auditions, appeared in plays, and hustled for any opportunity. “Hungry is an understatement,” he admitted. “I was starving for success. And for creative fulfillment. And money. And girls. And fame. All of the coolness. All those things.”

His big break finally came with “Footloose,” the 1984 hit that cemented his place in Hollywood. However, the sudden stardom brought its own complications. Reflecting on that time, he said, “I didn’t read the newspapers. I’d read a paper if I thought there was maybe gonna be something about me in it.”

The actor filming "Footloose" circa 1984. | Source: Getty Images

Fame, while intoxicating, also came with overwhelming pressure. “I’m not sure that I was really ready,” he confessed. Although he landed leading roles for years afterward, he felt his performances lacked impact.

The Hollywood star on the set of "Footloose" in 1984. | Source: Getty Images

“I was doing it OK. But the movies weren’t successful. My picker was off. Like, I couldn’t choose! I didn’t want anybody’s advice. I was making some bad mistakes,” he noted.

Through persistence, self-reflection, and a passion for his craft, this star from Philadelphia overcame the pitfalls of early fame, setting the stage for a legendary career.

The legendary actor circa 1985. | Source: Getty Images

A Legendary Career and a Life of Love

This actor is none other than Kevin Bacon, whose journey to becoming a Hollywood icon began with his breakout role in “Footloose.” Over the decades, he solidified his reputation with a diverse range of performances in critically acclaimed films like “A Few Good Men,” “Mystic River,” and “Apollo 13.”

Kevin Bacon filming "Apollo 13" in 1995. | Source: Getty Images

Beyond his illustrious career, in 1987, Bacon met actress Kyra Sedgwick on the set of the TV movie “Lemon Sky.” The two East Coast natives, each one of six siblings, bonded over their shared work ethic and distaste for certain Hollywood conventions.

They married the following year and welcomed their son in 1989 and daughter in 1992. Reflecting on those early years, Bacon admitted, “She [Kyra] has always put something — the children, the world, her own self-exploration in terms of her life and her heart — in front of her pursuit of fame and glory. You can’t say the same about me.”

Their marriage wasn’t without challenges. In 2009, the couple faced a major financial setback when they became victims of Bernie Madoff’s infamous $50 billion Ponzi scheme. Though Bacon declined to confirm the amount they lost, reports suggested it was millions.

Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon at HBO's post-Emmy Awards reception on September 20, 2009, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on the ordeal, he said, “It was a bad day. But pretty quickly we were able to see all the things we had as opposed to whatever we lost, and those are the biggest clichés: children, health, love, a nice home. So we got through it together. I don’t think about Madoff, like, at all.”

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick at the Museum of The Moving Image salutes Clint Eastwood event on December 1, 2009, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Despite the setback, Bacon and Sedgwick emerged stronger, focusing on their family and a simpler lifestyle. Today, they divide their time between Los Angeles, New York City, and their farm in Connecticut, where they care for an array of animals, including goats, pigs, alpacas, and miniature horses.

Bacon often features these animals in his social media videos, singing and playing guitar for his goats, who have become fan favorites. He also humorously revealed he has “a brown thumb” when it comes to gardening.

However, the “Footloose” star also enjoys arranging succulents and cacti, particularly at their California home. “The brilliant part is that there is no gardening required. They take care of themselves and are hard to kill,” he joked.

In recent years, Kevin Bacon has embraced a rugged, sophisticated style, reminiscent of a country musician. His hair, now gray, is kept short, and his wardrobe often includes leather boots and dark tees.

Kevin Bacon during the 2024 Tribeca Festival on June 14 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

His journey from a cramped childhood home to Hollywood stardom reflects resilience, talent, and an enduring commitment to his craft and family. Balancing a legendary career with a grounded lifestyle, he remains a rare figure in entertainment.