Kenny Wormald
A professional dancer from Boston who stepped into Kevin Bacon's iconic dancing shoes for a new generation in the Footloose remake.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American actor·Birthday: July 27·Millennials
Biography
Kenny Wormald's life has been set to a beat since childhood, growing up in the competitive dance studios of Boston. His talent propelled him from music video backdrops for artists like Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera to the MTV reality series 'Dancelife,' which showcased the grit behind the glamour. That foundation made him a natural, if daring, choice to take on the role of Ren McCormack in the 2011 remake of 'Footloose.' Wormald didn't just mimic the original; he brought his own athletic, street-dance infused physicality to the part, performing his own complex choreography. While the film anchored his public profile, he has consistently returned to his dance roots, choreographing and performing in live tours and events. His career represents a bridge between the professional dance world and mainstream Hollywood, built on formidable technical skill.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kenny was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kenny Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Kenny's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Landed the lead role of Ren McCormack in the 2011 feature film remake of 'Footloose'.
- Toured as a backup dancer for Justin Timberlake on the 'FutureSex/LoveShow' tour.
- Appeared as a principal dancer in the film 'Center Stage: Turn It Up'.
Did You Know?
He began dancing at the age of six, training extensively in tap, jazz, and hip-hop.
He was a finalist on the MTV dance competition show 'Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew' with the crew 'Status Quo'.
He is from Boston, Massachusetts, and often incorporates his city's accent and style into his roles.
“You don't get the job by waiting; you show up and you dance.”
