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Kevin Bacon’s Farming Dream Sparks Epic Clash with Kyra Sedgwick
After achieving stardom with the iconic film Footloose in 1984, actor Kevin Bacon expressed a yearning to escape the Hollywood spotlight. However, his wife, actress Kyra Sedgwick, had different aspirations that set the stage for a significant marital dispute.
In a revealing appearance on the YouTube show Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals, Bacon shared his dream of living as a reclusive farmer with just his loyal dog. He longed for a tranquil life away from the noise of fame.
Bacon reflected on the overwhelming transition from being relatively unknown to experiencing sudden nationwide fame. He described it as a journey that took his life from zero to sixty in a blink of an eye, making him search for more relaxed surroundings.
During these moments of self-reflection, Bacon yearned for solitude and simplicity. He recalled telling himself that he could live a fulfilling life with just a dog for company.
Bacon’s Farming Fantasy Reflects a Desire for Simplicity
When discussing his longing for isolation, Bacon drew parallels to the Gatlin Brothers’ 2007 song Chop Wood and Carry Water, admitting, “It might sound corny… but I like to be out there, chopping wood.”
At that time, Bacon was residing in Western Connecticut when he crossed paths with Sedgwick. While he embraced the idea of a quiet life, Sedgwick was less enthusiastic about drifting further away from social activities.
Initially, the couple shared a humble abode described by Bacon as a funky, small, rundown farmhouse. “For quite a few years, she sort of folded into that, and we kind of became that together,” he recalled. The couple created their own little sanctuary, with wood-chopping being part of their everyday routine and a couple of dogs, Jane and Tybalt, adding to their family dynamic.
However, Bacon’s dream lifestyle proved challenging for Sedgwick after a few years. “She said, ‘This is horrible. I want to go out to lunch. I want to go to the movies or the theater. I want to shop in the Village,’” Bacon recounted. As a lifelong New Yorker, Sedgwick was not interested in raising her children in seclusion, which ultimately led to the couple’s most intense argument.
She was adamant about relocating their son Travis to a school in Manhattan and renting an apartment in the city. At that stage of their lives, Bacon noted that their finances were not robust enough to support such a significant change.
Despite the difficulties, Bacon later recognized the wisdom in Sedgwick’s decision. “It was the greatest thing we ever did. She was so right. Raising kids in Manhattan was the best idea,” he remarked, reflecting fondly on their transformation.
With time and perseverance, the couple figured out how to afford the apartment. Bacon admitted that the fears he had about not finding work were unfounded. In hindsight, he appreciated that the choices they ultimately made were not only sensible but crucial for their family.
A Love Story That Overcame Challenges
Bacon and Sedgwick’s journey began when they met on the set of Lemon Sky in 1988. At the time, Bacon invited the cast to dinner, hoping to catch Sedgwick’s attention. The actress, however, didn’t show up for the dinner but eventually accepted his offer for a massage at his hotel followed by dinner, marking the beginning of their love story.
Choosing to raise their children in the bustling city, the couple also made the decision to shield Travis and Sosie, their two children, from the strangeness and pressures of fame. Bacon explained that they consciously avoided involving their kids in Hollywood’s glitzy lifestyle.
Bacon emphasized, “We really avoided it. I think we really felt like it would be nice for them to have some normalcy.” He acknowledged that while fame had its perks, it also introduced peculiar challenges that the family worked to navigate.
The seasoned actor was aware that fame is a double-edged sword. While he relished his accomplishments, he also recognized that people’s recognition of him could disrupt normal family life. Thus, he was determined to allow his children to carve their own paths, unencumbered by the weight of his celebrity status.
Embracing Family Bonds in Their New Normal
As his children grew, they began to forge their own identities. Recently, both Travis and Sosie acted alongside their famous father in the horror film Family Movie. Bacon described this collaboration as a dream come true.
“We just love hanging out with our kids. Not all the time, but now and then, they actually want to spend time with us, which is a real blessing,” Bacon said with gratitude, acknowledging the close-knit bond they’ve maintained over the years.
Bacon highlighted that while each family member works on their own projects, the shared experience of working together is something they cherish deeply. “Just the idea of being able to work together is gold,” he concluded.
Through the ups and downs of marriage, career, and family, Bacon and Sedgwick’s journey is a testament to the strength of their partnership and their commitment to creating a nurturing, loving environment for their children.
