Biography
Long Island, New York native Kevin Connolly broke into feature films and blockbuster television series roles by way of commercials; the fresh-faced star later recalled that he hawked every brand from Chips Ahoy! to Parker Brothers in front of the cameras during his early years. Cresting on this exposure, Connolly moved into bit roles in features during adolescence and gradually ascended to supporting billing. Projects in which he appeared included
Rocky V (1990),
The Beverly Hillbillies (1993),
Angus (1995), and John Q. (2002). Connolly received elevated attention courtesy of his well-received supporting turns as Slim in the
Denzel Washington-directed psychological drama
Antwone Fisher (2002) and Fin in the nostalgic romance
The Notebook (2004), but achieved widespread acclaim with his portrayal of Eric Murphy, one of several young men enjoying the perks of Hollywood stardom, in the HBO comedy series
Entourage. In 2008, Connolly signed for a supporting role opposite
Drew Barrymore and
Ben Affleck in the
Ken Kwapis-directed romantic comedy
He's Just Not That Into You.
Connolly made his feature directorial debut with the 2007 black comedy
The Gardener of Eden. Executive produced by
Leonardo DiCaprio (via his Appian Way shingle), it tells of a ne'er-do-well deli counter worker who sustains delusions of fighting crime after he saves a young woman from a serial rapist. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide