Kenny Johnson’s illustrious career has spanned four decades. Over the years, he has progressed from a novice to an experienced veteran who can captivate any audience. With a wealth of experience playing a variety of characters, Kenny has been presented with many opportunities, from television to film. He is most renowned for his roles in shows such as Saving Grace, The Shield, and his present role as Dominique Luca in S.W.A.T. In addition to his television work, he has two upcoming film projects. Keep reading for 10 interesting facts about Kenny Johnson.
1. He Was A Professional Model
Kenny’s wind-tousled blue hair and dashing smile have been aiding his career since before he even got into acting. For several years, he was a professional model working with renowned modeling agencies such as Ford and Wilhelmina. He eventually decided to focus solely on acting.
2. He Got His Start With Commercials
Breaking into entertainment isn’t always easy, so when good opportunities come along, Kenny was sure to seize them. He began his career with a few commercials, which, though not particularly glamorous, helped him to establish a foothold in the industry.
3. He’s A Connecticut Native
Connecticut is one of those states that’s easy to forget about if you’re not from there or don’t know anyone who is, but it’s a place that Kenny will never forget. He was born in Connecticut and raised primarily on a farm in Vermont. He later returned to Connecticut to attend college.
4. He Has Dyslexia
Kenny struggled in school for much of his career as a student, and this was due to the fact that he suffers from dyslexia. The disorder almost prevented his acting career in the early days because he was unable to read scripts. Eventually he found a method that worked for him, but it still takes him much longer than others to read and absorb information. Nevertheless, he refuses to let that stop him.
5. He Was A College Athlete
After a successful high school baseball career, Kenny earned an athletic scholarship to attend Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT, where he was a member of the baseball team. Unfortunately, he sustained a serious back injury during his playing career.
6. He Was A Competitive Arm Wrestler
Baseball isn’t the only thing that brought out Kenny’s competitive side. He is also a world champion arm wrestler who participated at the amateur level for several years. Although he no longer arm wrestles competitively, he still likes to have matches for fun.
7. He’s Serious About The Research For His Roles
Due to his dyslexia, Kenny typically spends dozens of hours going over a script for the first time. Once he is cast for an opportunity, he then invests even more time doing research to ensure he can learn as much about the role as possible. He keeps track of the information he learns by taking extremely detailed notes.
8. He’s A Proud Father
Balancing a demanding career and life at home presents its challenges, but Kenny isn’t complaining. Not only does he enjoy what he does for work, but he cherishes coming home to his family. He has been happily married to actress Cathleen Oveson for over a decade and the couple has one child together.
9. He Loves The Beach
Kenny, born and raised on the east coast, has been living in the Los Angeles area for several years now. As an actor, the city is ideal for him, but he also enjoys the warm weather and stunning beaches. Whenever he can, Kenny loves to go to the beach and take in the majestic views.
10. He Believes That Some Roles Are Meant For Certain People
Kenny is a believer in the idea that what’s meant for you will find you, and he also believes it’s important to be ready when it arrives. He told Daily Actor, “I believe there are projects and characters that are meant to be yours. As long as you have faith in that and don’t give in to thinking, ‘Oh this is so hard. There are so many people. What makes you think you can be an actor?’ It’s about not caring who rejects you or anything. It’s like you do what you want to do and don’t let anyone tell you any different. That’s what I believe.”
