Carol Kane's bio: Husband, kids, net worth, movies, personal life
In Hollywood, famous actresses change like the seasons. With many films and shows releasing constantly, there is room for new stars and veterans. Carol Kane, known for The Princess Bride, is one who has stayed in the spotlight for years. Carol Kane’s bio shows a long, successful career that keeps her admired. She may remain popular for years to come.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Carol Kane's bio highlights her distinctive raspy voice and celebrated acting career spanning theatre, movies, and television for over five decades.
- According to Carol Kane's bio, she has never been married or had children, choosing to keep her personal life private while nurturing close relationships.
- Carol Kane’s bio showcases her memorable roles in The Princess Bride, Taxi, Kimmy Schmidt, and Poker Face, along with multiple awards and nominations.
Profile summary
| Full name | Carolyn Laurie Kane |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | June 18, 1952 |
| Age | 73 years (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Place of birth | Cleveland, Ohio, US |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Eye colour | Blue |
| Hair colour | Blonde |
| Father | Michael Kane |
| Mother | Joy Kane |
| Profession | Actress, comedian |
Carol Kane’s bio
Carol Kane is a celebrated American actress and comedian known for her distinctive style and versatility. She has built a remarkable career spanning over five decades, starting in the mid-1960s.
Throughout her journey, Carol has taken on a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater. She remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry, admired for her talent and pioneering presence as a woman in comedy and acting.
Where did Carol Kane grow up?
The actress was born June 18, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio. Carol Kane, young and ambitious, showed an early passion for the arts. Her childhood was shaped by a family deeply involved in music and creativity.
Her mother, Joy, was both a teacher and a jazz singer. Her father, Michael Kane, was a pianist. This artistic environment played a major role in inspiring Carol’s future career.
Source: Original
How old is Carol Kane’s mom?
Joy Kane's exact age is unknown but was a strong influence in her children's lives after divorcing her husband. Carol was only 12 years old. Carol and her older sister, Anina, stayed with their mother during that time.
Carol’s grandparents emigrated from Russia, Poland, and Austria, adding a rich cultural heritage to her American upbringing.
Education
Carol’s education was deeply affected by her parents’ divorce. To give her the best schooling with few disruptions, her mother enrolled her at Cherry Lawn School. This boarding school in Connecticut played an important role in Carol’s early life.
At Cherry Lawn, Carol was first introduced to acting. She later took theatre classes at two well-known institutions: Professional Children’s School and HB Studios. These schools helped shape her into the award-winning actress she is today.
After gaining experience in various roles at these theatre schools, Carol auditioned for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1966. She was fortunate to land the part, marking an important step in her career.
Does Carol Kane have a partner?
Carol Kane has kept her personal life mostly private. Her most well-known relationship was with actor Woody Harrelson. They dated from 1986 to 1988 after meeting through mutual friends in the entertainment world.
Although they eventually parted ways, they have remained friends over the years. Carol Kane’s husband status is often asked about, but she has never been married.
Does Carol Kane have children?
Carol Kane does not have children. In interviews, she has shared that she did not feel she would be calm or stable enough to be the kind of mother she wanted to be. She once said she does not want to adopt and already considers her dogs children,
I made a decision. I have four-legged children — the best people in the world are doggies! I never had two-legged kids on purpose, because I never felt that I would be calm and stable enough to be the kind of mother I’d like to be. I don’t think everyone randomly is mother material.
Instead, she embraces a nurturing role in other ways. For example, she is the godmother to actress Bianca Hunter and plays a grandmotherly role to Bianca’s four children.
What is Carol Kane famous for?
Source: Getty Images
Carol Kane is famous for her distinctive raspy voice and unique acting style. She has built a diverse career across theatre, movies, and television for more than five decades. Among her most memorable roles is the quirky Valerie in the cult classic The Princess Bride, which helped cement her place in Hollywood history.
Carol Kane’s movies and TV shows
Carol’s career includes many notable projects. She has shown her versatility in various genres, from comedy to drama. The veteran actresses' work has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
Early career and breakthrough roles
Carol’s first television role was as Susannah White in We the Woman (1974). Though the film did not gain huge ratings, it helped her transition from theatre to TV. Her big breakthrough came with the TV series Taxi (1980–1983), where she played Simka Dahblitz.
The role made her a household name and earned her five award nominations, including two Emmy wins. Taxi remains one of the most popular shows from the 1980s.
Carol Kane in Princess Bride
One of Carol Kane’s most beloved film roles was as Valerie in The Princess Bride (1987). Her quirky and warm performance made the character unforgettable in this cult classic. The film continues to be a favorite for many fans.
Voice acting and later TV work
Carol has also done voice acting, such as in Adventures from the Book of Virtues (1998), showing her range extends beyond live-action.
From 2014 to 2016, she played Gertrud Kapelput in Gotham. Her role in this dark, thrilling series introduced her to a new generation of viewers. She appeared in ten episodes, bringing depth to the character.
Recent projects - Carol Kane in Poker Face and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Carol Kane’s role in Poker Face (2023) is among her recent standouts. Her performance has been praised as part of the show’s fresh appeal. Additionally, her role as Lillian in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2019) won over fans and critics alike. The change in her teeth in the show’s fourth season became a memorable Easter egg for viewers.
As a stage player and comedian
Before television, Carol was active in theatre. Even after becoming a TV star, she returned to the stage regularly. In 2012, she played Betty Chumley in Harvey at Broadway’s Studio 54, showing her love for live performance remains strong.
Carol Kane's net worth
Source: Getty Images
The Cleveland-born actress has a net worth of $5 million as of 2025. Carol’s primary source of wealth is from acting and comedy shows. She was also a familiar figure in the 1990s advertising scene, where she appeared in different TV commercials.
Awards and nominations
Carol Kane's career is distinguished by numerous accolades, celebrating her exceptional talent and versatility across film, television, and theatre. Below is a list of her most notable awards and nominations:
Academy Awards
- 1976: Nominated for Best Actress for Hester Street.
Emmy Awards
- 1982: Won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Taxi.
- 1983: Won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Taxi.
- 1996: Nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Chicago Hope.
Golden Globe Awards
- 1983: Nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television for Taxi.
New York Film Critics Circle Awards
- 2024: Won Best Supporting Actress for Between the Temples.
Independent Spirit Awards
- 2025: Nominated for Best Supporting Performance for Between the Temples.
Other notable awards
- 2007: Won the Medallion Award.
- 2014: Won the Cast Collaboration Award for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
- 2024: Won Best Supporting Actress at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards for Between the Temples.
Is Carol Kane related to Carol Kaye?
No, Carol Kane is not related to Carol Kaye. Carol Kane is an American actress known for her roles in film, television, and theatre. Carol Kaye, on the other hand, is a famous American session bassist and musician. They share similar first names but have different careers and backgrounds.
Where does Carol Kane live now?
Carol Kane currently lives in New York City. She has been known to reside there for many years, enjoying the vibrant arts and theatre scene that the city offers.
Since the 1970s, Carol Kane has been one of the most celebrated TV personalities, thanks to her unmatched performances. Even though she does not get as many roles as she used to, Carol Kane’s bio shows that the award-winning actress is still acting and making an impact.
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