Kevin Kennedy: From Coronation Street To Beyond Part 2
Part Two of Kevin's interview with Kevin Kennedy, one of the stars of the show ‘Rock of Ages’.
Kevin is most recognisable from TV as ‘Curly’ in Coronation Street but now pursues a successful career in musical theatre. He shares his journey and experiences as a successful performer and some amazing insights into the craft of the actor.
In this episode, Kevin discusses the influence of Coronation Street, the challenges of addiction, the rise of his career in music and the fascinating story of his transition into musical theatre.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Curly Watts, who proved to be a huge hit with audiences in Coronation Street, wasn’t meant to be a character with any longevity. But after proving a hit, the producers were keen to put Kevin under contract. At the height of his success, Kevin fell into an addiction spiral, and was forced to go to rehab. Upon repairing himself, Kevin needed to start again. Kevin credits Coronation Street with taking good care of him and saving his life during this period. Using a pseudonym, Kevin submitted his music to Simon Cowell at Sony BMG, who was on the lookout for TV-led musical talent, and was signed immediately. From here, Kevin embarked on a successful career as a musician, especially in the United States. Having been let go from Coronation Street, Kevin had to make a choice about the future of his career. As he liked acting and music, he decided to marry the two and go into musical theatre. His first role was in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Musical theatre can be daunting, but each experience is there to be relished and enjoyed. Even auditions, which Kevin enjoys. Many consider soap opera actors to be somehow inferior, but Kevin doesn’t see it that way. In fact he credits them with a set of unique talents, such as carrying a story for months or sometimes years, and the ability to learn and memorise scripts at speed. Fame was never important for Kevin. The important thing was to enjoy his work, and to develop as an actor. His subsequent fame opened many doors, which is far more valuable. When things are going wrong, there’s often a mindset that says “I have to be something different”, but the real lesson is to focus upon who you are. To do the things you want to do. Acting can be a struggle sometimes. It’s not always glamorous. But if you love what you do, then each struggle becomes a lesson, and as Kevin says, “If you’re doing something you love, then you never have to work a day in your life" No problem is insurmountable. Facing challenges down and defeating them makes you a better person, and you can’t run away forever.
BEST MOMENTS
’The great thing about that was that it was a home gig’
’That was the first time I ever saw the power of Coronation Street. Her attitude completely changed’
‘Coronation Street were like a family’
’There’s always a positive to look for. Always’
‘Mistakes make you a better actor’
‘You need to get back in touch with the things that you want’
’This business is great if you’re at, or near, the top'
‘No problem is insurmountable’
ABOUT THE HOST
Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.
CONTACT METHOD
