During a panel discussion at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, actor Kevin Bacon shared his “worst nightmare” related to his iconic role in the 1984 movie “Footloose.” He expressed his fear of being at a wedding where the DJ plays the film’s title song, turning the celebration into a spotlight on him and making him feel like a “trained monkey.” Bacon revealed that he has requested DJs to refrain from playing the song at such events, not because he dislikes it, but to avoid this scenario.
Bacon, now 66 years old, reminisced about his role as Ren McCormack in “Footloose,” where he portrayed a teenager challenging a town’s ban on dancing and rock music. Despite not being a trained dancer beforehand, Bacon embraced the role and brought his love for dancing from his upbringing in Philadelphia to the screen.
Reflecting on his career, Bacon acknowledged his initial resistance to fame and the pressures that came with it. While achieving his dreams of having his name in lights and appearing on talk shows like Johnny Carson’s, Bacon admitted to experiencing impostor syndrome and a reluctance to engage in publicity. However, over time, he grew accustomed to the spotlight and learned to navigate the complexities of fame.
Beyond “Footloose,” Bacon’s career has included notable performances in films such as “Mystic River,” “Apollo 13,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Frost/Nixon.” Despite the challenges of fame, Bacon remains grateful for the opportunities his career has provided and the support from fans, as exemplified by a recent reunion with students at the Utah high school where “Footloose” was filmed, following a social media campaign initiated by the students.
Kevin Bacon, star of ‘Footloose,’ opens up about how the film continues to affect him, saying, “I find it difficult to watch myself on screen.”
