Ken Kercheval

Date of Birth: July 15, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: April 21, 2019

Biography

Ken Kercheval was an accomplished American actor, widely recognized for his portrayal of Cliff Barnes on the iconic television series “Dallas,” a role he played for over a decade. Born in Wolcottville, Indiana, Kercheval initially pursued a career in music before shifting his focus to acting. He honed his craft at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, studying under the legendary Sanford Meisner. Over his extensive career, Kercheval appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His dedication to his craft and his dynamic performances earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

5 Interesting Facts about Ken Kercheval

1. Ken Kercheval was one of the few “Dallas” cast members to appear in all 14 seasons of the original series.

2. Before his role on “Dallas,” he made his Broadway debut in the 1960s in the play “Something About a Soldier.”

3. Kercheval was a lung cancer survivor and was known for his anti-smoking advocacy.

4. He reprised his role as Cliff Barnes in the 2012 reboot of “Dallas.”

5. In addition to acting, he was also a passionate photographer and an accomplished saxophonist.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ken Kercheval

1. “I think ‘Dallas’ was the best thing that ever happened to me. It gave me a career.”

2. “Cliff Barnes was a character you could love and hate at the same time, and that made it a lot of fun to play.”

3. “Acting is about being true to the character you’re playing.”

4. “In this business, you have to be resilient and adaptable.”

5. “I always believed that if you want to succeed, you have to stay true to yourself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ken Kercheval’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.

Children

Ken Kercheval had five children: Caleb, Liza, Aaron, Asa, and Madison. He kept his family life relatively private, focusing public attention on his professional achievements.