Kevin James, an American comedian and actor, began his career doing stand-up comedy on Long Island in the 1980s. He became widely known for his role as Doug Heffernan on the CBS sitcom "The King of Queens," which ran from 1998 to 2007. His performance on the show earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2006.
April 26, 1965: Kevin James is Born
On April 26, 1965, Kevin George Knipfing, known professionally as Kevin James, was born. He would go on to become a well-known American comedian and actor.
1989: Kevin James Begins Stand-Up Career
Kevin James began performing stand-up comedy in 1989 at Richie Minervini's East Side Comedy Club on Long Island.
1991: Kevin James Lands First Television Job on "The New Candid Camera"
In 1991, Kevin James secured his first television job on "The New Candid Camera".
1994: Kevin James Appears on "An Evening at the Improv" and Becomes Announcer for "SandBlast"
Kevin James appeared on "An Evening at the Improv" and began working as the announcer for MTV's "SandBlast" game show in 1994.
1996: Kevin James Concludes Work on "SandBlast"
In 1996, Kevin James concluded his work as the announcer for "SandBlast".
September 21, 1998: "The King of Queens" Premieres
"The King of Queens", starring Kevin James, premiered on CBS on September 21, 1998.
1998: "The King of Queens" Premieres
In 1998, Kevin James rose to prominence for his role as Doug Heffernan in the CBS sitcom "The King of Queens".
2001: Kevin James Releases First Stand-Up Special
Kevin James released his first stand-up comedy special, "Kevin James: Sweat the Small Stuff" in 2001.
June 19, 2004: Kevin James Marries Steffiana de la Cruz
Kevin James married actress Steffiana de la Cruz on June 19, 2004.
2004: Kevin James Makes Film Debut
In 2004, Kevin James appeared in his first film, "50 First Dates".
2005: Kevin James Stars in "Hitch"
In 2005, Kevin James co-starred in the romantic comedy "Hitch" with Will Smith and Eva Mendes.
2006: Kevin James Lends Voice to Animated Films
In 2006, Kevin James provided voice work for the animated films "Monster House" and "Barnyard".
2006: Kevin James is Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award
In 2006, Kevin James received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in "The King of Queens".
May 14, 2007: "The King of Queens" Concludes
The final episode of "The King of Queens" aired on May 14, 2007.
2007: "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" is Released
In 2007, Kevin James starred in the film "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" with Adam Sandler.
2007: Kevin James is Grand Marshal for Pepsi 400
In 2007, Kevin James was the grand marshal for the Pepsi 400, promoting "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry".
2007: "The King of Queens" Concludes
Kevin James' run on "The King of Queens" as Doug Heffernan came to an end in 2007 after 9 seasons.
2008: Kevin James and Adam Sandler Reunite for "You Don't Mess with the Zohan"
In 2008, Kevin James co-starred with Adam Sandler again in "You Don't Mess with the Zohan".
July 2009: "Dusty Peacock" Web Series Premieres
The web series "Dusty Peacock", produced by Kevin James and starring his brother Gary Valentine, premiered on Crackle in July 2009.
2009: "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" Premieres
Kevin James starred in the comedy "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" in 2009.
March 27, 2010: Kevin James Hosts Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
On March 27, 2010, Kevin James hosted the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.
June 2010: Kevin James Serves as Grand Marshal for NASCAR Race
Kevin James, with friend and fellow actor Adam Sandler, was the grand marshal for a NASCAR race in June 2010, promoting "Grown Ups".
2010: "Grown Ups" is Released
"Grown Ups", starring Kevin James, was released in 2010.
2011: Kevin James Stars in "Zookeeper" and "The Dilemma"
2011 saw Kevin James star in "Zookeeper", which he also wrote and produced, and "The Dilemma" with Vince Vaughn.
2012: Kevin James Affirms Catholic Faith
In 2012, Kevin James publicly affirmed his commitment to his Catholic faith, stating he remains a devout Catholic.
2012: "Here Comes the Boom" Premieres and James Begins "Hotel Transylvania" Voice Work
Kevin James had a leading role in the film "Here Comes the Boom", and started his voice work in "Hotel Transylvania", in 2012.
2012: Kevin James is Grand Marshal at Talladega Race
Kevin James served as grand marshal at the fall Talladega NASCAR race in 2012, promoting "Here Comes the Boom".
July 2013: Kevin James is NASCAR Grand Marshal Again
In July 2013, Kevin James served as the grand marshal for the Coke-Zero 400 with Adam Sandler and Shaquille O'Neal to promote "Grown Ups 2".
2013: "Grown Ups 2" Premieres
In 2013, "Grown Ups 2", featuring Kevin James, was released.
2015: Kevin James Appears in "Pixels"
Kevin James starred in "Pixels" in 2015.
September 19, 2016: "Kevin Can Wait" Premieres
"Kevin Can Wait", starring Kevin James, premiered on September 19, 2016.
November 11, 2016: "True Memoirs of an International Assassin" is Released
Kevin James starred in "True Memoirs of an International Assassin", directed by Jeff Wadlow and released by Netflix on November 11, 2016.
2016: "Kevin Can Wait" Premieres
Kevin James starred in the sitcom "Kevin Can Wait", which premiered in 2016.
November 27, 2017: Kevin James Launches YouTube Channel
Kevin James launched his YouTube channel, featuring short films, on November 27, 2017.
2017: Kevin James Nominated for a People's Choice Award
Kevin James received a nomination for a People's Choice Award in 2017 for his role in the CBS sitcom "Kevin Can Wait".
2017: Kevin James Stars in "Sandy Wexler" with Adam Sandler
Kevin James co-starred alongside Adam Sandler once again in the Netflix film "Sandy Wexler" in 2017.
2018: Kevin James Concludes Work on "Hotel Transylvania" Franchise
In 2018, Kevin James completed his voice work for the "Hotel Transylvania" franchise.
2018: Kevin James Releases Second Stand-Up Special on Netflix
Kevin James released his second stand-up comedy special, titled "Kevin James: Never Don't Give Up", on Netflix in 2018.
2019: Catholic Retreat Hosted by Kevin James
In 2019, Kevin James hosted a Catholic retreat that featured priest Chad Ripperger and theologian Scott Hahn.
February 2020: Kevin James Revives YouTube Channel
Kevin James revived his YouTube channel in February 2020.
June 2020: Kevin James Achieves YouTube Milestone
By June 2020, Kevin James had amassed over 535,000 subscribers and 28 million total views on his YouTube channel.
2020: Kevin James Takes on Dramatic Role in "Becky"
In 2020, Kevin James starred in "Becky", showcasing his acting range with a dramatic role.
2021: Kevin James Releases "The Crew" on Netflix
Kevin James released his show "The Crew" on Netflix in 2021.
2022: Kevin James Portrays Sean Payton in "Home Team"
Kevin James starred as NFL head coach Sean Payton in the biographical film "Home Team" in 2022.
2023: Kevin James Stars in "Guns Up"
In 2023, Kevin James starred in the action-comedy "Guns Up", directed by Edward John Drake.
2024: Kevin James Releases Third Stand-Up Special on Amazon Prime Video
Kevin James released his third stand-up comedy special "Kevin James: Irregardless" on Amazon Prime Video in 2024.