Kevin Spacey Movies and TV Shows: A Legacy of Talent, Turmoil, and Tenacity

Introduction

Few actors have experienced as meteoric a rise—and as dramatic a fall—as Kevin Spacey. From commanding the stage with Shakespearean authority to delivering unforgettable performances in award-winning films, Spacey’s talent has long been undeniable. He carved out a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected (and feared) actors. But in the last decade, his career has also become one of the industry’s most controversial.

This article explores Kevin Spacey’s movies and TV shows, the highs and lows of his storied career, his early life and education, notable works on Netflix and the big screen, and his recent return to acting. Whether you’re a fan, critic, or curious cinephile, here’s everything you need to know.

Who Is Kevin Spacey?

Kevin Spacey Fowler, born July 26, 1959, in South Orange, New Jersey, is an American actor, producer, and director. Raised in Southern California, Spacey adopted his middle name “Spacey” as a stage name and started his career on Broadway before moving into film and television.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he became one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, winning two Academy Awards for his work in The Usual Suspects (1995) and American Beauty (1999). Known for his sharp intelligence, mysterious charm, and ability to play morally ambiguous characters, Spacey was considered one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Kevin Spacey’s Age and Birthday

Kevin Spacey was born on July 26, 1959, which makes him 66 years old as of 2025. Despite his age, Spacey’s recent attempts at a comeback suggest that he may still have more to offer in the entertainment world.

Kevin Spacey’s Education and Early Career

Spacey studied drama at Juilliard School in New York from 1979 to 1981. Although he left before graduating, his time at Juilliard gave him a strong classical acting foundation. He later joined the New York Shakespeare Festival, where he honed his skills in productions like Henry IV, Julius Caesar, and Richard III.

His stage presence translated beautifully into screen roles, and he quickly made the leap from theatre to Hollywood.

Kevin Spacey Movies List in Order: A Look at His Career Highlights

Here’s a curated list of Kevin Spacey’s most impactful and memorable films, spanning over three decades:

1. The Usual Suspects (1995)

Arguably his breakout role, Spacey played Roger “Verbal” Kint, a physically impaired con man whose story forms the core of this neo-noir thriller. His performance earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

2. Se7en (1995)

In this psychological thriller directed by David Fincher, Spacey plays the twisted serial killer John Doe. He was intentionally left out of the opening credits to heighten suspense—an effective choice that added to the film’s lasting impact.

3. L.A. Confidential (1997)

In this critically acclaimed crime film, Spacey plays Jack Vincennes, a Hollywood narcotics cop with a taste for fame. The movie showcased Spacey’s charisma and ability to play both sides of the law.

4. American Beauty (1999)

This film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Kevin Spacey. His portrayal of Lester Burnham, a disillusioned suburban father in midlife crisis, remains one of his most iconic performances.

5. Pay It Forward (2000)

In this emotional drama, Spacey played a scarred and emotionally burdened teacher who encourages students to create a better world. His performance was powerful and understated.

6. K-PAX (2001)

Spacey starred as a psychiatric patient claiming to be an alien, delivering a nuanced performance that left audiences questioning his character’s reality.

7. Superman Returns (2006)

As Lex Luthor, Spacey leaned into camp and menace, giving the superhero reboot some classic villain energy.

8. 21 (2008)

Spacey played a manipulative professor leading a team of MIT students into the world of high-stakes blackjack—a fun, slick role that played to his strengths.

9. Margin Call (2011)

This financial thriller, set at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis, gave Spacey a chance to shine in a restrained and tragic role.

10. Baby Driver (2017)

In his last major studio release before the controversy, Spacey played Doc, a criminal mastermind. The role reminded audiences why he had become such a respected figure in Hollywood.

Kevin Spacey TV Shows: From Supporting Roles to Streaming Star

Wiseguy (1988–1989)

One of Spacey’s early TV roles, playing the charismatic antagonist Mel Profitt in the crime drama Wiseguy, helped build his resume in the late ’80s.

House of Cards (2013–2017)

Netflix’s first major original hit, House of Cards, starred Spacey as Frank Underwood, a scheming congressman turned president. His performance earned him multiple Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award. The show was cut short in 2017 when Spacey was removed from the cast amid serious allegations.

Kevin Spacey’s Net Worth

Despite being ousted from mainstream Hollywood, Spacey has accumulated significant wealth. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $110 million, stemming from decades of film, television, producing, and real estate investments.

Kevin Spacey on Netflix: From King to Outcast

Kevin Spacey was once the face of Netflix, starring in House of Cards and helping the platform become a pioneer in original content. His dismissal in 2017 made headlines and marked one of the streaming era’s first major fallout events.

Today, his movies remain available in some Netflix libraries, but new releases featuring him are unlikely to appear on mainstream platforms in the near future.

Kevin Spacey’s Personal Life: Wife, Children, and Private World

Spacey has always been extremely private. He has never publicly confirmed being in a relationship, nor has he ever married. He has no known children. Over the years, he repeatedly deflected questions about his sexuality, until 2017, when he came out in the context of addressing accusations from actor Anthony Rapp.

Kevin Spacey Young: Early Photos and Performances

Photos from his early stage work and film appearances show a sharp-featured, charismatic young actor brimming with potential. From his theatre days in New York to his first screen roles, his energy and talent were apparent from the start.

Kevin Spacey’s New Movie and Comeback

After being acquitted in both U.S. and UK courts, Spacey has started a slow return to acting.

Recent Films:

The Man Who Drew God (2022) – His first role post-scandal, where he played a police detective.

Control (2023) – A British thriller where Spacey lends only his voice.

Peter Five Eight (2024) – A neo-noir thriller where Spacey takes the lead.

Holiguards Saga – The Portal of Force (2025) – A supernatural action film where Spacey is both lead actor and director.

Though many studios remain cautious, a growing number of independent filmmakers are casting Spacey in lower-budget productions, suggesting that his career might not be over after all.

Kevin Spacey: A Divisive Legacy

Spacey’s story is one of unparalleled talent tainted by controversy. He remains a polarizing figure in the industry—admired for his acting ability and criticized for his off-screen behavior. While the courts have cleared him, public opinion remains divided.

Yet for film historians and fans of great performances, Kevin Spacey’s catalog of work stands tall. He played roles few others could, with a commanding presence and cerebral intensity that made him unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Whether you consider him a master actor, a cautionary tale, or both, Kevin Spacey’s career is among the most complex in Hollywood history. From The Usual Suspects to House of Cards, from Netflix darling to industry exile, and now a cautious comeback—his story continues to unfold.

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