Ken Kercheval facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ken Kercheval
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Kercheval in 1963
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Kenneth Marine Kercheval
July 15, 1935 Wolcottville, Indiana, U.S.
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| Died | April 21, 2019 (aged 83) Clinton, Indiana, U.S.
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| Resting place | Pisgah Cemetery, Vermillion County, Indiana, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Indiana University University of the Pacific Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1962–2019 |
| Spouse(s) | Ava Fox (1986–1993) Cheryl Paris (1994–2004) |
| Children | 5 |
Kenneth Marine Kercheval (born July 15, 1935 – died April 21, 2019) was an American actor. He was most famous for playing the character Cliff Barnes in the TV show Dallas and its later version in 2012.
Early Life and Education
Ken Kercheval was born in Wolcottville, Indiana. His dad was a doctor, and his mom was a nurse. He grew up in Clinton, Indiana. When he was a teenager, he sometimes watched his dad work in the operating room.
Instead of becoming a doctor, Ken went to Indiana University to study music and drama. He also studied at the University of the Pacific and later at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City.
Acting Career
Ken Kercheval started his acting career on Broadway in 1962. He appeared in several plays, including The Apple Tree and Cabaret. In 1966, he played the main character in the original Broadway show Fiddler on the Roof.
He got his first TV role in 1966 on the show Search for Tomorrow. He also appeared in other soap operas like The Secret Storm. Ken was in movies too, such as The Seven-Ups and F.I.S.T..
Ken Kercheval is best known for playing Cliff Barnes on the TV show Dallas. Cliff Barnes was the main rival of J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman. Ken was on the show from 1978 to 1991, from the very first episode to the last. He and Larry Hagman were the only actors who stayed with Dallas for its entire run. Ken also played Cliff Barnes again in the 1996 reunion movie J. R. Returns and in the 2012 Dallas series.
In the 1980s, Ken was a guest on many game shows like Super Password. In 1991, he was in a TV movie called I Still Dream of Jeannie. It was interesting because his Dallas co-star, Larry Hagman, was the main actor in the original I Dream of Jeannie show.
Later in his career, Ken performed in musicals like White Christmas in the UK. He played the General in this show from 2006 to 2013 in different cities.
Personal Life
Ken Kercheval had a health challenge with his lungs and had surgery in 1994. He was married a few times and had five children. By 2012, he also had six grandchildren.
In his later years, Ken spent most of his time near his family in Clinton, Indiana. He enjoyed going to local fairs and festivals there.
Ken Kercheval passed away on April 21, 2019, at the age of 83, due to an illness.
See also
In Spanish: Ken Kercheval para niños
