Biography of Kevin James

Kevin George Knipfing (born April 26, 1965), known professionally as Kevin James, is an American actor, comedian, and screenwriter. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Doug Heffernan on The King of Queens, and as Paul Blart in the movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop. He also starred in the CBS sitcom Kevin Can Wait (2016–2018) for which he was nominated for a 2017 People's Choice Award.

James has appeared in the films Hitch (2005), I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), Grown Ups (2010), Zookeeper (2011), Here Comes the Boom (2012), and Pixels (2015). He has also done voice work for Monster House, Barnyard (both 2006), and the first three films of the Hotel Transylvania franchise (2012–2018).

James was born Kevin George Knipfing on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York. He grew up in Stony Brook, New York. He is the second son of office worker Janet and insurance agency owner Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr. His father was German-American. James has an elder brother, comedian and actor Gary Valentine, and a sister, Leslie. He and his siblings were raised Catholic. James graduated from Ward Melville High School. While there, he reached the number one spot on the wrestling team, just ahead of friend and future professional wrestler Mick Foley. Both wrestled at the 145 lb weight class. A season-ending back injury to James resulted in Foley taking over the first string position. James, as well as Foley, went on to study at the State University of New York at Cortland, where he played halfback on the varsity football team until another back injury permanently ended his sports hopes.