Interview with Kevin Sorbo (Hercules)
E.Z. interviews Kevin Sorbo and says Kevin looks like his dad. At the Wild Hogs Movie Premier
BIG THANKS TO THE BIG J COMPANY FOR FILMING
Kevin Sorbo has enjoyed success on television for over 15 consecutive years, a feat rarely accomplished by an actor. Sorbo quickly rose to stardom in the title role of the hit series, “Hercules, the Legendary Journeys”. The immense popularity of the 5 initial 2-hour telefilms in 1993 resulted in the launch of a weekly series by 1994. The series not only became a breakout hit by becoming the number one first-run program in syndication, it also passed “Baywatch” as the most watched TV show in the world. The innovative action hour revitalized the entire action/adventure genre on television and fostered two spin-off series, “Xena, Warrior Princess”, and “Young Hercules”. Sorbo also directed two episodes of the show, and co-wrote one installment.
Following the success of “Hercules”, Sorbo went on to star in the lead role of “Captain Dylan Hunt” in “Gene Roddenberry’s, Andromeda”. The series, based upon writings from the late “Star Trek” creator’s archives, debuted as the number one hour show in first run syndication and held that spot throughout it’s five year run from 2000-2005.
In 1997, Sorbo made his feature film debut in “Kull, the Conqueror”, a prequel to “Conan, the Barbarian”. Other films include, “Walking Tall, the Payback”, “Walking Tall, Lone Justice, “The Last Chance Café”, “Something Beneath”, “Clipping Adam”, and most recently, “The Avenging Angel” which aired on Hallmark summer of 2007 and was the third highest rated movie in the history of Hallmark. “Meet the Spartans” just wrapped principal photography for a January ’08 release from New Regency and 20th Century Fox. Sorbo also finished shooting another western for Blockbuster called, “Prairie Fever”. Another ’08 release for Sci Fi cable network is “‘Fire From Below”. “The House Next Door” is an independent film to be distributed by The Weinstein Company in ’08 as well.
Sorbo has guest starred on the hit shows “Just Shoot Me”, “According to Jim”, “Hope and Faith”, “Two and a Half Men, USA networks “Psych”, and had recurring appearances on “Dharma and Greg”, and on Fox’s “The OC” in 2006-2007. In 2005, he signed an unprecedented development deal with ABC/Touchstone Television that resulted in the creation of “Bobby Cannon”, a half-hour comedy pilot written by Barry Kemp of “Coach” and “Newhart” fame.
Electronics Media Magazine named Sorbo TV’s third most bankable star behind Oprah and Regis.
Sorbo is also spokesman for A World Fit For Kids, a non-profit organization that provides gang, drug, and dropout prevention to teens through mentoring programs. He was more recently named national spokesperson as successor to Arnold Schwarzenegger for The Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization working to ensure that all children have access to safe, enriching afterschool programs by the year 2010.
A native of Mound, Minnesota, Sorbo is a sports enthusiast and an avid golfer. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Sam, and three young children.