Kevin Sorbo

Kevin David Sorbo (born September 24, 1958[1]) is an American actor. He had starring roles in two television series: as Hercules in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and as Captain Dylan Hunt in Andromeda. Sorbo is also known for acting in Christian films such as God's Not Dead and Let There Be Light.

Kevin Sorbo
Sorbo in 2012
Born
Kevin David Sorbo

(1958-09-24) September 24, 1958
Occupation(s)Actor, Producer, Director
Years active1984–present
Spouse
(m. 1998)
Children3
Websitekevinsorbo.net

Early life and education

Sorbo was born in Mound, Minnesota, on September 24, 1958. He is of Norwegian descent.[2] He was raised in a Lutheran family.[3] Sorbo attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he double majored in marketing and advertising.[4] To help pay for tuition, he began to work as a model for print and television advertising.[5]

Career

In the mid 1980s, Sorbo traveled around Europe and Australia working in television commercials and also modeled for print advertisements. By the early 1990s, he had appeared in over 150 commercials. One of the popular commercials he appeared in was for Jim Beam bourbon whiskey, known for Sorbo's repeated catchphrase "This ain't Jim Beam".[6] He occasionally landed acting roles during this period and made his acting debut in an episode of the soap opera Santa Barbara in 1986. This was followed by guest appearances in television series such as 1st & Ten, Murder She Wrote and The Commish. In 1992, he starred in an unsuccessful pilot for a medical drama series titled Condition: Critical which was not picked up but aired as a television film on ABC. He was considered for and lost out to Dean Cain as Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and was a possible contender for the role of Fox Mulder in The X-Files which went to David Duchovny.[7][8][9][10][11][12] In 1993, he made his film debut playing a supporting role in Slaughter of the Innocents.[13]

In 1993, he received his breakthrough leading role as the Ancient Greek mythical demigod Hercules in a series of five television films which aired in 1994 as part of Universal Television's Action Pack.[14] The first film to premiere was Hercules and the Amazon Women which aired in April 1994 and the subsequent films aired later in the year. The ratings success of the films paved the way for the commissioning of the television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys which started airing in syndication from January 1995 and ran for six seasons. The series made Sorbo an international star and was one of the highest rated syndicated television shows at the time.[15] Sorbo also directed two episodes of the series during its run and co-wrote one episode.

The success of the show spawned the popular spin-off series Xena: Warrior Princess starring Lucy Lawless, who was introduced in a three episode arc in the first season of Hercules. This allowed several characters from both shows to make crossover appearances. Sorbo made his first of two appearances on Xena in the Season One episode "Prometheus" in 1995. In 1998, a spin-off direct-to-video animated film titled Hercules and Xena – The Animated Movie: The Battle for Mount Olympus was released with both Sorbo and Lawless voicing the characters.[16]

Hercules was canceled midway through the filming of Season Six of which only eight episodes were produced and the final episode aired in November 1999.[17] This was reportedly due to Sorbo declining to extend his contract to continue starring in the series for a further three years.[15] Although it was not revealed at the time, health issues reduced his abilities to perform the physically demanding role during the later seasons. Sorbo made his final appearance as Hercules on Xena in the Season Five episode "God Fearing Child" which aired in February 2000.

In between the years playing Hercules, Sorbo played his first leading film role in Kull the Conqueror (1997).[18] After Hercules came to an end, Sorbo played the starring role of Captain Dylan Hunt in the science-fiction drama series Andromeda from 2000 to 2005. In 2006, he played a recurring role on the final season of The O.C. and guest-starred in the sitcom Two and a Half Men. In 2007, he starred in the direct-to-video film Walking Tall: The Payback, which was a sequel to the 2004 film Walking Tall. He reprised his role in the second sequel, Walking Tall: Lone Justice, which released later that year. He also starred in the Lifetime Channel film Last Chance Café, the Hallmark Channel film Avenging Angel, co-starring his real life wife Sam Jenkins and guest starred as a bounty hunter in the season-two episode "Bounty Hunters!" of the series Psych. He appeared in the 2008 spoof film Meet the Spartans, which was a box office success[19] despite being universally negatively reviewed by critics.[20] He starred in the Albert Pyun directed science fiction vampire film Tales of an Ancient Empire.[21]

Sorbo in 2013

Sorbo was executive producer and star of the 2012 film Abel's Field.[22]

Sorbo voiced one of the main protagonists, Prometheus, in the Wii video game The Conduit.[23] Sorbo returned to the role of Hercules in a more sinister portrayal, in the video game God of War III, which was released for the PlayStation 3 in March 2010.[24]

Sorbo had a prominent role in the film Soul Surfer released in 2011.[25]

In July 2013, Sorbo, along with his wife Sam, provided voice over for characters in the video game Cloudberry Kingdom.[26] In 2014, Sorbo co-starred in God's Not Dead, a Christian film in which he portrayed an atheist college professor who requires his students to disown their religions on the first day of his class.[27] He also voiced Crusher in the Skylanders franchise and Retro Hercules in Smite.[28]

In 2014 to 2016, Sorbo played wizard Gojun Pye in a series of five Mythica sword-and-sorcery fantasy films.[29]

In 2017, Sorbo played the ill-fated King Lar Gand of Daxam on the CW series Supergirl. He appeared opposite Teri Hatcher as his wife Queen Rhea—24 years earlier, they were almost cast opposite each other in Lois and Clark before Sorbo lost out to Dean Cain.[30] Cain also appeared in the same series but did not share any scenes with them. That same year, he also directed and starred in the Christian drama film Let There Be Light.[31]

Personal life

On January 5, 1998, Sorbo married actress Sam Sorbo (née Jenkins) whom he met the previous year when she had a small recurring role on Hercules (Season 3, Episode 8 "Prince Hercules"). They have three children.[32] Sorbo is the spokesman and chair of A World Fit for Kids! (AWFFK!), a non-profit organization that trains teenagers to become mentors to younger children.[33]

In 2001, Sorbo was featured on a celebrity edition of the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, winning $32,000; the money was donated to his charity, A World Fit For Kids.[34]

In 2015, Sorbo provided the foreword to Stan Holden's book Giving Candy to Strangers.[35]

Health

In late 1997, while on a publicity tour for Kull the Conqueror and between the fourth and fifth seasons of Hercules, the newly engaged Sorbo experienced an aneurysm in his shoulder which caused three strokes.[36][37] As a result, he was weakened for the next several years, a condition kept secret from the public while he recovered. During the last two seasons of Hercules (the fifth and sixth, which aired in 1998 and 1999), Sorbo had a reduced filming schedule to accommodate his condition, and more guest stars were featured in the show in order to reduce Sorbo's duties.[38] The strokes, thought to be triggered when chiropractic manipulation of his shoulder released blood clots from the aneurysm, left Sorbo with a permanent 10 percent vision loss, weakness, impaired balance, and migraines.[39] In his 2011 autobiography True Strength, Sorbo revealed the details of his injury and how his wife Sam helped him recover.[40]

In 2013, Sorbo received the Public Leadership in Neurology Award from the American Academy of Neurology and the American Brain Foundation for his efforts raising awareness about stroke.[41] He also received the 2013 Inspiration Honors Award from the Invisible Disabilities Association.[42]

Religion

Sorbo in 2020 at an event hosted by Turning Point USA

Sorbo is a Christian and attends a nondenominational church, though he grew up as a Lutheran. Sorbo claims that his religious views have caused certain restrictions in Hollywood productions, stating that "there's a negativity towards Christians in Hollywood, and a negativity towards people who believe in God."[43]

In 2014, during an interview with Jerry Newcombe on the radio show Vocal Point, Sorbo defended Mel Gibson against allegations that his 2004 film, The Passion of the Christ, was anti-Semitic with the words: "News bulletin: you did kill Jesus!"[44] Sorbo later stated he could have rephrased his statements, but defended his stance.[45]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1993Slaughter of the InnocentsJohn Willison
1997Kull the ConquerorKull
2004Clipping AdamFather Dan
2007Walking Tall: The PaybackNick PrescottDirect-to-video
Walking Tall: Lone Justice
2008Meet the SpartansCaptain
Prairie FeverPreston BiggsDirect-to-video
An American CarolGeorge Mulrooney
2009Fire From BelowJake Denning
Bitch SlapMr. Phoenix
2010What If...Ben Walker
Wog Boy 2: Kings of MykonosPierluigi
Tales of an Ancient EmpireAedan
Pool Boy: Drowning Out the FurySal Bando
ParadoxSean Nault
2011Soul SurferHolt Blanchard
Julia XThe Stranger
Coffin
2012Abel's FieldAbelExecutive producer[46][47]
Black BoxJames
Sorority Party MassacreCaptain Dan Fanning
FDR: American Badass!Abraham Lincoln
2013Paranormal MovieSecurity Guy
Storm RiderSam Fielding
Alone for ChristmasQuentinDirect-to-video
2014Alongside NightDr. Martin VreelandExecutive producer
SurvivorCaptain Hunter
The Black Rider: Revelation RoadHoncho
Coffee ShopProduzent
God's Not DeadProfessor Jeffrey Radisson
Mythica: A Quest for HeroesGojun Pye
2015Confessions of a Prodigal SonFather
The Sparrows: NestingPastor Dave
Single in South BeachSam
Hope BridgePastor
Mythica: The DarksporeGojun Pye
One More RoundBilly Jack Taylor
Gallows RoadFrank
Mythica: The NecromancerGojun Pye
2016Caged No MoreRichard / Jack
ForgivenLieutenant Morgan
Mythica: The Iron CrownGojun Pye
Rodeo GirlDuke Williams[48]
Mythica: The GodslayerGojun Pye
Joseph & MaryJoseph
Spirit of the GameParley Condie
2017Let There Be LightDr. Sol HarkinsDirector
2018Bernie the Dolphin
2019The Reliant [49]
Miracle in East TexasDoc BoydDirector[50]
2021The Girl Who Believes in MiraclesDr. David Riley
Trail BlazersEthanPost-production
2023Left Behind: Rise of the AntichristRayford SteeleDirector
ReaganPost-production[51]
2023 Alien Storm President of the U.S.

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1986Santa BarbaraLars1 episode
19881st & TenBarryEpisode: "...The Clock Runs Out"
1992CheersUncreditedEpisode: "License to Hill"
Condition: CriticalDr. Thaddeus KocinskiTelevision film
1993Murder, She WroteMichael BurkeEpisode: "A Virtual Murder"
The CommishMarkEpisode: "Dying Affection"
1994Hercules and the Amazon WomenHerculesTelevision film
Hercules and the Lost Kingdom
Hercules and the Circle of Fire
Hercules in the Underworld
Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur
1995–1999Hercules: The Legendary Journeys111 episodes; also Director for episodes #2.17 & #3.20
1995CybillRickEpisode: "The Last Temptation of Cybill"
1995–2000Xena: Warrior PrincessHercules2 episodes
1998Hercules and Xena – The Animated Movie: The Battle for Mount OlympusVoice
1999Just Shoot Me!ScottEpisode: "An Axe to Grind"
2000–2005AndromedaCaptain Dylan Hunt110 episodes; executive producer
2001Dharma & GregCharlie4 episodes
2003According to JimDarryl BucknerEpisode: "The Pass"
2004Hope & FaithKennyEpisode: "Mismatch"
2005Love, Inc.Father JohnEpisode: "Amen"
2006Two and a Half MenAndyEpisode: "Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Burro"
Last Chance CaféChance CoulterTelevision film
2006–2007The O.C.Frank Atwood7 episodes
2007Avenging AngelPreacherTelevision film
PsychByrd TatumsEpisode: "Bounty Hunters!"
Something BeneathFather Douglas MiddletonTelevision film
2008Never Cry WerewolfRedd TuckerTelevision film
The Middleman1969 middleman / Guy GoddardEpisode: "The Obsolescent Cryogenic Meltdown"
2009Gary UnmarriedLarry"Seven"
Lightning StrikesTed BradlyTelevision film
2009–2010The Super Hero Squad ShowKa-ZarVoice, 2 episodes
2009Wolf CanyonRick / Sheriff WolfTelevision film; also executive producer
2010Hawaii Five-0Carlton BassEpisode: "Ko'olauloa"
The Santa SuitDrake Hunter / Santa ClausTelevision film
2011Flesh WoundsLt. TylerTelevision film
The GuildHimselfEpisode: "Social Traumas"
2012Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23HimselfEpisode: "The Wedding"
Key & PeeleBradEpisode #2.6[52]
Christmas AngelDr. Nathan DavisTelevision film
The Eric André ShowHimselfEpisode: "The Eric André New Year's Eve Spooktacular"
2013Shadow on the MesaRay EastmanTelevision film
2017SupergirlLar Gand3 episodes

Video games

Year Title Role Notes
2009The ConduitPrometheusVoice
2010God of War IIIHerculesVoice
2012Skylanders: GiantsCrusherVoice
2013Skylanders: Swap ForceVoice
Cloudberry KingdomBobVoice
2014Skylanders: Trap TeamCrusherVoice
2015SmiteHercules (Retro Skin)Voice
Skylanders: SuperChargersCrusherVoice
2016Skylanders: ImaginatorsVoice

References

  1. "Kevin Sorbo". TV Guide. Archived from the original on April 10, 2015. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  2. "Once a kid... always a kid". KSJAA - Kevin Sorbo bio 1958-77. Russia: narod.ru. Archived from the original on December 16, 2005. Retrieved January 28, 2008.
  3. Vivaldo, Josephine (March 8, 2011). "Kevin Sorbo – Christian Hercules in Hollywood". Christian Post. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  4. "Kevin Sorbo to share story, answer questions at Westonka Historical Society fundraiser". Laker Pioneer. July 23, 2015. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  5. "About | Kevin Sorbo". www.kevinsorbo.net. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  6. Mendoza, N.F. (November 6, 1994). "With an Eye On: Kevin Sorbo's Hercules is strong stuff but not exactly his serious side". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 3, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  7. "Filed Away (Features)". The Mirror. London, England. September 29, 1997. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018. Hercules hunk Kevin Sorbo has revealed that he nearly played Fox Mulder in The X Files. The 6ft 3in muscleman was beaten to the role by 5ft 7in David Duchovny after the two auditioned for creator Chris Carter.
  8. Yamato, Jen (September 28, 2011). "Fantastic Fest: Kevin Sorbo on the Twisted Julia X 3D, Christian Films, and Hollywood Snobbery". Movieline. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018. You were previously up to play roles like Superman and Mulder in The X-Files before your Hercules days.
  9. Garcia, Frank; Phillips, Mark (2013). Science Fiction Television Series, 1990–2004: Histories, Casts and Credits for 58 Shows. McFarland. p. 370. ISBN 9780786491834. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2018 via Google Books.
  10. "Winston-Salem Journal". August 29, 1997. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018. People make too big a deal out of me getting the Agent Mulder role in that, he said with a laugh. I got in to read twice for that part. Nowhere near getting it. How would he be different if I played him? Mulder would be taller.
  11. "Australia TV Week". Australia. July 7, 1997. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018. Before Hercules, you were up for David Duchovny's role in 'The X-Files'. What would you have brought to Fox Mulder that Duchovny hasn't?
  12. "Calgary Sun". Canada. August 24, 1997. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018. I was one of many who were being considered for Fox Mulder, so that wasn't such a disappointment.
  13. Carter, Brooke (January 23, 2017). "What Happened to Kevin Sorbo – News & Updates". Gazette Review. Archived from the original on June 20, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  14. MENDOZA, N. F. (November 6, 1994). "WITH AN EYE ON ... : Kevin Sorbo's Hercules is strong stuff but not exactly his serious side". Archived from the original on June 3, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2016 via LA Times.
  15. "Kevin Sorbo", The sci-fi world (interview), archived from the original on June 25, 2018, retrieved November 2, 2017.
  16. "Biography" (official website). Kevin Sorbo. Archived from the original on October 13, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  17. "Entertainment", The Los Angeles times, November 27, 1999, archived from the original on December 10, 2015, retrieved November 2, 2017.
  18. "Kull the Conqueror (1997)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 11, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  19. "Weekend Box Office Chart for January 25th, 2008". The Numbers. January 25, 2008. Archived from the original on May 10, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  20. "Meet the Spartans". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  21. Woman, The (March 26, 2010). "Pre-Order Tales of an Ancient Empire; Work-in-Progress Screengrab & Behind-the-Scenes Clip | Horror Movie, DVD, & Book Reviews, News, Interviews at Dread Central". Dreadcentral.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  22. "Abel's Field with Kevin Sorbo and Samuel Davis an Inspiring Movie – Christian Activities". christianactivities.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  23. "The Conduit Gets Hollywood Voice Talent". cinema blend. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  24. "God of War III Kevin Sorbo voice of Hercules". youtube.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  25. Webster, Andy (April 7, 2011). "'Soul Surfer' Is Bethany Hamilton's Shark Tale". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 14, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
  26. Conditt, Jessica (October 3, 2012). "Kevin Sorbo, Sam Sorbo, Martin Olson star in Cloudberry Kingdom". Joystiq. Archived from the original on January 31, 2015. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  27. "'God's Not Dead' Actor Says Hollywood Is 'Waking Up' to Christian Films". christianpost.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  28. Chalk, Andy (July 24, 2015). "Kevin Sorbo joins Smite as part of free Hercules voice pack". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on July 27, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  29. Masters, Raymond (April 5, 2015). "GeekDad Interviews Kevin Sorbo of 'Mythica'". GeekDad. Archived from the original on April 8, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  30. "Kevin Sorbo Talks About His Role on "Supergirl"". February 8, 2017. Archived from the original on August 27, 2017. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
  31. Johnson, Blanche (October 26, 2017). "Kevin Sorbo opens up about new film 'Let There Be Light': 'The world has gotten more evil'". Fox News. Archived from the original on June 14, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  32. "Sam Sorbo talks hubby Kevin Sorbo & True Strength: He truly is my hero". sorbowriter.wordpress.com. December 7, 2011. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  33. Graham, Efrem (August 27, 2015). "Kevin Sorbo Uses Faith to Make 'World Fit for Kids'". cbn.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  34. Papadatos, Markos (July 17, 2014). "'Hercules' star Kevin Sorbo talks acting career and charity work". Digital Journal. Archived from the original on July 21, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  35. Holden, Stan (December 15, 2015). Growing your business can be as fun as giving candy to strangers : tips for creating abundance through heart-centered sales. Las Vegas, Nevada. ISBN 9781629038575. OCLC 898087205.
  36. "Hercules Actor Kevin Sorbo's Miracle Healing – CBN TV – Video". Cbn.com. Christian Broadcasting Network. Archived from the original on October 29, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  37. Gostin, Nicki (October 19, 2011). "Kevin Sorbo's 'True Strength': 'Hercules' Star Says Strokes Were Blessings In Disguise". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on October 7, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  38. Hammel, Sara (October 2, 2011). "Hercules Star Kevin Sorbo Reveals He's Had Several Strokes". People.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  39. Symons, Jane (February 28, 2012). "Kevin Sorbo: Three strokes left me fighting for my life". Daily Express. Archived from the original on November 24, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  40. Sorbo, Kevin (October 11, 2011). "True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal--and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life". Boston, Massachusetts: Da Capo Press. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
  41. "Actor Kevin Sorbo Receives Public Leadership in Neurology Award". www.newswise.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  42. "2013 Inspiration Award - Kevin Sorbo". Invisible Disabilities® Association. Archived from the original on January 2, 2021. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  43. Savitsky, Sasha (March 20, 2014). "Kevin Sorbo: Why is Hollywood so afraid of God?". Fox News. Archived from the original on April 22, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  44. "7 worst right-wing moments of the week — Kevin Sorbo wants to remind Jews they "killed Jesus"". Salon. September 8, 2014. Archived from the original on November 19, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  45. PM, Brownie Marie September 12, 2014 | 11:10. "Kevin Sorbo defends 'Jews killed Jesus' remarks". www.christiantoday.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  46. Abel's Field (DVD). 2012. Event occurs at Closing credits.
  47. Rolfe, Donna. "Abel's Field – Review". Dove Family Foundation. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  48. "Local OHS Grad Produces Hollywood Feature Film". Brian Harrington. Archived from the original on December 31, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  49. Nolasco, Stephanie (October 23, 2019). "Kevin Sorbo defends faith-based action film 'The Reliant,' says 'Hollywood doesn't really owe me anything'". Fox News. Archived from the original on November 3, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
  50. "Hollywood actor/director teams up with local filmmaker". KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. January 17, 2020. Archived from the original on January 18, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  51. "Kevin Sorbo Celebrates Upcoming Projects, Including Reagan Biopic". Movieguide. April 25, 2022.
  52. ""Key and Peele" Episode #2.6 (TV Episode 2012)". IMDb. Archived from the original on February 4, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.