Kene Holliday established himself as a talented character actor through memorable television roles, particularly during the golden age of network television in the 1970s and 1980s. With a career spanning several decades, he left his mark on popular series like “Matlock” and “Carter Country.”
Biography Table
| Full Name | Kenneth Earl “Kene” Holliday |
|---|---|
| Profession | TV Actor |
| Age | 75 (as of May 2025) |
| Birth Date | June 25, 1949 |
| Birth Place | Copiague, New York |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 6’0" (183 cm) |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Relationship Status | Married to Linda Copling (since 1996) |
Early Life & Background
Kenneth Earl Holliday, professionally known as Kene Holliday, was born on June 25, 1949, in Copiague, New York. Growing up on Long Island in the post-World War II era, Kene developed athletic abilities that would later open educational opportunities.
Education and Athletic Achievement
Kene demonstrated exceptional talent in sports during his high school years, excelling in both track and football. His athletic prowess earned him a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, creating a pathway to higher education that would ultimately lead to his acting career.
Career Journey
After college, Kene transitioned from athletics to acting, finding his true calling in performance. His commanding presence and distinctive voice helped him secure roles in television during the 1970s.
Television Breakthrough
Kene’s first significant television role came in the series “Carter Country,” which ran from 1977 to 1979. This comedy series, set in a small Southern town, allowed him to showcase his comedic timing and establish himself as a reliable television performer during the heyday of network sitcoms.
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Matlock Success
Kene’s most recognizable role came as Tyler Hudson on the popular legal drama “Matlock” during the 1980s. As private investigator Tyler Hudson, he worked alongside Andy Griffith’s character Ben Matlock, creating a dynamic partnership that resonated with viewers. His character provided both investigative expertise and occasional comic relief that helped balance the show’s serious courtroom drama.
Later Career
While his role on “Matlock” remains his most widely recognized work, Kene continued to take on acting projects in subsequent years. In 2009, he appeared in the film “Everybody’s Fine,” working alongside the legendary Robert De Niro, demonstrating his continued relevance in the industry decades after his initial success.
Personal Life
Kene Holliday’s personal life has seen its share of changes and growth. He has been married three times, finding lasting partnership with his third wife, Linda Copling, whom he married in 1996.
Marriage and Family
While specific details about his previous marriages remain private, his nearly three-decade marriage to Linda Copling represents a period of stability in his personal life. Their relationship has endured well beyond the typical lifespan of many Hollywood marriages.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Kene Holliday’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $1.5 million. This wealth comes primarily from his acting career, particularly his regular roles on television series that continue to generate residual income through syndication and streaming platforms.
Income Sources
Beyond his acting work in television and film, Kene has likely diversified his income through various entertainment industry opportunities, potentially including voice work, appearances, and other ventures that utilize his recognizable presence from classic television.
Physical Attributes
Standing at approximately 6’0" (183 cm), Kene possessed a commanding physical presence that served him well in his television roles. His athletic background contributed to this presence on screen, allowing him to bring physical confidence to his characters.
Notable Facts & Trivia
One interesting footnote in Kene’s career was his work on the film “Spiders 3D,” which he filmed in Bulgaria. This project represented an international filming experience and showcased his willingness to explore different production environments and film genres.
Acting Range
Throughout his career, Kene demonstrated versatility by moving between comedy in shows like “Carter Country” and more dramatic work in “Matlock” and films like “Everybody’s Fine,” showing his range as a performer.
Working with Legends
Kene has had the opportunity to work with some significant figures in entertainment, including Andy Griffith on “Matlock” and Robert De Niro in “Everybody’s Fine.” These collaborations speak to the respect he earned within the industry.
Professional Legacy
Kene Holliday’s contributions to television, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, helped shape the landscape of network programming during a pivotal era. His characters remain part of television history through syndication and streaming services that continue to introduce his work to new generations.
Cultural Impact
As an African American actor working in television during the 1970s and 1980s, Kene was part of an important period of increasing representation in mainstream media. His prominent roles helped pave the way for greater diversity in television casting.
FAQ
How old is Kene Holliday? Kene Holliday is 75 years old as of May 2025, having been born on June 25, 1949.
What is Kene Holliday best known for? Kene Holliday is best known for playing Tyler Hudson on the popular 1980s legal drama series “Matlock” starring Andy Griffith. He also starred in the 1970s television series “Carter Country.”
Who is Kene Holliday’s wife? Kene Holliday has been married to Linda Copling since 1996. She is his third wife.
What was Kene Holliday’s educational background? Kene attended the University of Maryland on a full scholarship after excelling in track and football during high school.
Has Kene Holliday worked with any notable actors? Yes, besides working with Andy Griffith on “Matlock,” Kene appeared in the 2009 film “Everybody’s Fine” with Robert De Niro.