Kene Holliday facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kene Holliday
Holliday as Curtis Baker in Carter Country in 1977
Born	Kenneth Earl Holliday (1949-06-25) June 25, 1949 (age 76) Copiague, Suffolk County, New York, U.S.
Other names	Kene Holiday
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1971–present
Spouse(s)	Janifer Baker Holloway Darlene Collins Linda Copling
Children	2 sons, Kendall Holliday, Collinns Holliday

Kenneth Earl Holliday (born June 25, 1949) is an American actor. He has appeared in many plays, movies, and TV shows. He is well-known for playing Tyler Hudson, a private investigator, on the TV series Matlock. He also played Sgt. Curtis Baker on Carter Country from 1977 to 1979. Kene Holliday was nominated for an award for his acting in the movie Great World of Sound.

Kene Holliday's Early Life and Education

Kene Holliday grew up in Copiague, Long Island, New York. When he was 12 years old, his father passed away. His mother encouraged him to get involved in sports. At Copiague High School, he was a talented athlete. He was part of a great relay team in track and was a star player on his football team. People called him "Mr. Hotshot" because he was so good at scoring points.

After graduating from high school in 1967, Kene went to the University of Maryland on a full scholarship for football. While in college, he discovered a new passion: acting. He took a class about the history of theater and loved it. In 1969, he played a main role in a play called The Hairy Ape. He was the first African American student to have a leading role on the college's main stage.

Starting His Acting Career

After college, Kene Holliday began working with a theater group in Washington, D.C.. He helped start the D.C. Black Repertory Company, where he led acting workshops.

In 1976, Kene moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting in television. He appeared as a guest star on many popular TV shows. These included Kojak, What's Happening!!, The Incredible Hulk, Quincy, M.E., Lou Grant, Soap, Benson, The Jeffersons, The Fall Guy, Hart to Hart, and Doogie Howser, M.D..

His first regular role on a TV series was as Sgt. Curtis Baker on Carter Country. He starred in this show with Victor French from 1977 to 1979. Kene also appeared in the miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.

Voice Acting and Matlock

In the 1980s, Kene Holliday lent his voice to a famous cartoon character. He was the voice of Roadblock in the G.I. Joe cartoon series. He also voiced Roadblock in G.I. Joe: The Movie in 1987. In 1985, he acted in the TV movie Badge of the Assassin.

In 1986, Kene received a call from the producers of a new TV show called Matlock. They wanted him to play Tyler Hudson, a private investigator who worked with the main character, Matlock, played by Andy Griffith. Kene had watched The Andy Griffith Show when he was younger and knew Andy Griffith's work. He got the role and became a well-known face on television.

Other Projects and Personal Life

Kene Holliday has continued to appear in many TV shows and movies. His roles include parts in Miracle on the Mountain (2000), Hope & Faith (2004), and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2005).

In 1998, he published a book of poetry called The Book of K-III: The Contemporary Poetics of Kene Holliday.

Kene Holliday became an evangelist, which means he travels and preaches about his faith. He and his wife have spent time performing in gospel musicals.

In 2002, Kene became the full-time caregiver for his mother, who had Alzheimer's disease. He also became a member of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to help others. While caring for his mother, he took on the lead role in the 2007 movie Great World of Sound.

Kene Holliday's Filmography

Awards and Nominations

Kene Holliday has been recognized for his acting talent.

• Gotham Awards
  • 2008: Nominated for Breakthrough Actor for Great World of Sound
• Independent Spirit Award
  • 2008: Nominated for Best Supporting Male for Great World of Sound