Kevin Peter Hall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kevin Peter Hall
Born	(1955-05-09)May 9, 1955 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	April 10, 1991(1991-04-10) (aged 35) Hollywood, California, U.S.
Education	Penn Hills High School
Alma mater	George Washington University
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1978–1991
Known for	Predator
Height	7 ft 2 in (218 cm)
Spouse(s)	Alaina Reed Hall ​ (m. 1988⁠–⁠1991)​

Kevin Peter Hall (born May 9, 1955 – died April 10, 1991) was a very tall American actor. He stood 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters) tall! Because of his amazing height, he often played monster characters in movies. He was the original Predator alien in the science fiction Predator movies. He appeared in the first movie in 1987 and its sequel in 1990.

Hall also played the friendly Bigfoot named Harry in the fantasy comedy movie Harry and the Hendersons (1987). He played Harry again in the first season of the NBC television show based on the movie (1990–1991). He also had human roles, like Dr. Elvin "El" Lincoln in the NBC science fiction series Misfits of Science (1985–1986). He also played Warren Merriwether on the TV show 227 (1989–1990).

Early Life and Education

Kevin Peter Hall was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. He came from a very tall family! His father, Charles Hall, was 6 feet 6 inches tall. His mother, Sylvia, was 6 feet 2 inches tall. At 7 feet 2 inches, Kevin was the tallest of his brothers. All of his brothers were at least 6 feet 5 inches tall.

During his time at Penn Hills High School, Kevin was a fantastic basketball player. After high school, he went to George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. There, he continued to play basketball for the university team. He also studied Theatrical Arts, which helped him become an actor.

After finishing college, Hall moved to Venezuela to play professional basketball for a while.

Acting Career Highlights

Because Kevin Peter Hall was so tall, he was often chosen to play monster characters in movies. His first acting role was in the 1979 horror movie Prophecy. He then played an alien in the 1980 horror movie Without Warning. In 1982, he was Gorvil in the TV movie Mazes and Monsters.

In 1985, he was a co-star in the TV series Misfits of Science, which was about people with special abilities. He also appeared as a guest on the TV show Night Court. On that show, he played a very tall but gentle patient who was much taller than the other actors. The next year, Hall played another monster in the horror movie Monster in the Closet. After that, he got the role of Harry, the Bigfoot, in Harry and the Hendersons.

Playing the Predator Alien

In 1986, Kevin Peter Hall was chosen to play the main alien in the movie Predator. He acted alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. At first, another actor, Jean-Claude Van Damme, was supposed to play the Predator. But the filmmakers decided they needed someone taller to make the Predator look even more powerful against the human characters. So, they chose Hall for the role.

Hall also appeared without his monster costume at the end of the movie. He played a helicopter pilot. He played the Predator again in the 1990 sequel, this time with actors Danny Glover and Gary Busey.

Other Notable Roles

After his roles in the Predator movies, Hall appeared in the movie Big Top Pee-wee (1988). He also had a guest role on the TV show Star Trek: The Next Generation. From 1989 to 1990, he had a regular role on the NBC TV show 227. In 1990, Hall played Harry the Bigfoot again in the TV series Harry and the Hendersons. Sadly, he passed away during the first season of this show.

Personal Life and Passing

Kevin Peter Hall met actress Alaina Reed while they were both working on the TV show 227. They fell in love and got married both on the TV show and in real life!

While working on the TV series Harry and the Hendersons, Kevin Peter Hall became very sick. He had received a blood transfusion during surgery for injuries from a car accident. He sadly passed away on April 10, 1991, due to complications from his illness. He was just a month shy of his 36th birthday.

Honors and Recognition

Kevin Peter Hall was honored after his death. On May 8, 2009, he was included in the Penn Hills Hall of Fame as one of the first people to be recognized there. This was a special way to remember his achievements.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Kevin Peter Hall para niños

• List of tallest people