Kevin Durand
A character actor of formidable physical presence and chameleonic skill, he has built a career out of being the most memorable villain or wildcard in any scene.
Born 1974 (age 52)·Canadian actor·Birthday: January 14·Generation X
Biography
Hailing from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Kevin Durand didn't fit the typical leading man mold, and he weaponized that difference. Standing well over six feet tall with a commanding intensity, he initially seemed destined for typecasting as mere muscle. But Durand consistently infused his roles—often villains or eccentric heavies—with unexpected layers of intelligence, humor, and even pathos. He broke out as the gentle giant Joshua on 'Dark Angel,' a role that hinted at the sensitivity beneath the size. From there, he became a go-to for directors needing an antagonist who could truly intimidate, whether as the ruthlessly efficient mercenary Martin Keamy on 'Lost' or the fanatical angel Gabriel in 'Legion.' Yet he also showed a deft comedic touch in films like 'Smokin' Aces.' His performance as the pragmatic vampire hunter Vasiliy Fet in 'The Strain' showcased his ability to carry a heroic, blue-collar heart. Durand's filmography is a masterclass in making supporting roles feel central, proving that charisma isn't about looks but about undeniable force of personality.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Kevin was born in 1974, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kevin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1974
#1 Movie
The Towering Inferno
Best Picture
The Godfather Part II
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Kevin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1974Born
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1979Started school
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1987Became a teenager
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1990Could drive
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1992Could vote
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Turned 21
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2004Turned 30
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 40
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 50
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 52 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned a Genie Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the Canadian drama 'Citizen Gangster' (2011).
- Portrayed the iconic Marvel villain The Blob in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' (2009).
- Played a central, fan-favorite role across four seasons as vampire hunter Vasiliy Fet in the FX series 'The Strain'.
- Delivered a memorably chilling performance as the mercenary Martin Keamy in the fourth season of the hit series 'Lost'.
Did You Know?
He is a trained pianist and has played since childhood.
Before acting, he worked as a lumberjack in Canada.
He is a passionate hockey fan and supports the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He provided the voice and motion capture for the antagonist Proximus Caesar in 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' (2024).
“I've always been drawn to characters that are a little bit off-center, that have something a little bit broken about them.”
