Hollywood icon Kevin Bacon has not only weathered financial setbacks but has also embraced a serene life on his farm in Connecticut, where he serenades goats with his musical talents.
Throughout their journey from silver screens to rural scenes, the love between Bacon and his wife, Kyra Sedgwick has remained strong.
In Hollywood, it’s not unusual for fortunes to rise and fall like the tides, and Kevin Bacon’s journey is one of those tales of resilience, love, and unexpected turns.
Once the “It” boy of the ’80s and ’90s, known for his roles in iconic films like “Footloose,” “Friday the 13th,” and “Apollo 13,” Bacon’s star status seemed like an eternal glow in the cinematic cosmos. Yet, outside the spotlight, a financial storm was brewing that would test his mettle and lead him to unexpected pastures.
In a candid interview on the podcast Smartless, Bacon disclosed details about a chapter of his life that few knew about. He revealed that he had entrusted “most” of his wealth to Bernie Madoff, the infamous financier responsible for orchestrating the largest case of financial fraud in U.S. history, totaling an estimated $64.8 billion.
“We had most of our money in Madoff,” Bacon openly admitted during the episode, which aired in October 2022. The extent of Bacon’s financial loss due to the Madoff scandal remains undisclosed, but reports suggest it could be in the millions, possibly even reaching as high as $30 million.
Madoff’s criminal web unraveled in 2009 when he pleaded guilty to 11 federal felonies, including securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. He had defrauded countless clients, leaving them in financial ruin. In 2021, the disgraced financier passed away in prison at the age of 82, leaving a legacy of deception and destruction.
In the face of financial turmoil, Bacon and his wife, actress Kyra Sedgwick, held their heads high. They adopted an attitude of resilience, rolling up their sleeves to face the challenges head-on.
Bacon’s words reflected a deep sense of perspective, acknowledging that while they had suffered losses, many others were in far worse situations, with their retirement funds decimated.
Instead of bowing down to defeat, the couple decided that as long as their family was healthy, they could work their way up. And that’s when they left for their North Western Connecticut piece of land and embarked on an unexpected adventure – farming. Bacon’s journey to a more rural life was far from planned.
Raised as a city kid in Philadelphia, his fascination with horses began in his youth. However, it wasn’t until a visit to Connecticut with his then-girlfriend that the idea of farm ownership took root. While playfully pretending to be interested in buying a house, they stumbled upon a run-down farmhouse, and the rest is history.
Bacon has expanded the property over the years, and this farm has offered their family a peaceful oasis during their hard times. Among the various animal residents is a group of goats, and the “Tremors” star’s interaction with these creatures is nothing short of heartwarming.
Bacon, who is not only an actor but also a musician, has a unique way of bonding with his goats – through song. Yes, you read that right. Bacon serenades his goats with his musical talents.
As he strums his guitar and sings, the goats gather around, seemingly enchanted by the melodies. It’s a sight that perfectly captures the harmonious blend of Hollywood charisma and rural charm that defines Bacon’s life today.
Bacon’s deep affection for animals has led him to stop eating goat meat. Influenced by his own pets, he explained that he no longer eats meat from animals he raises himself.
His wife, Sedgwick, humorously remarked that they can’t get any more animals, fearing he might quit eating other meats as well. Bacon also shared his love for animals, mentioning how joyful and calming they are to be around.
The couple enjoy living a peaceful and fulfilling life on their farm, where they savor the quiet moments and the fresh produce they grow themselves. Every day, they delight in picking fresh herbs, tomatoes, basil, peppers, and zucchini straight from their garden.
Bacon beautifully describes the experience as taking something hot off the vine that feels warm and smells like it’s been created by all these natural forces of the sun, air water, and earth.
The actor and his wife prefer home-cooked meals over fancy restaurant dishes. He once gave his perspective on dining out. He stated that if one frequently ate in restaurants, they were giving their power over people preparing food for them.
As per Bacon, he doesn’t see the benefit of that, adding that for him, he wants to be in more control of what he puts into his body. The couple have also instilled a love for cooking in their now-grown children, Travis, 34, and Sosie, 31.
They taught them essential kitchen skills by leading by example. Sedgwick likes to follow recipes, while Bacon takes a more relaxed approach.
“I rarely follow a recipe,” he says. “I love recipes because I learn something new, I get inspired by something. I like that stuff, but I generally adjust it.”
Their farm life is a harmonious blend of hard work, fresh food, and a love for cooking, creating a serene and enriching environment for their family.
For Bacon and Sedgwick, their enduring love story has been an anchor throughout life’s ups and downs. Married for 35 years, they’ve weathered the storms of fame and financial woes together, all while nurturing their children. In Sedgwick’s words, they’ve been each other’s “biggest support and fans.”
But it’s not just love that has sustained their marriage; it’s their shared sense of humor. According to Sedgwick, “A sense of humor is crucial,” and she attested to her husband’s wit, describing him as “very freaking funny.” The couple also enjoy their time on their farm singing together.
