horror Icon Kevin Van Hentenryck

Kevin Van Hentenryck achieved instant cult status as the engagingly guileless and nerdy Duane Bradley in Frank Henenlotter's marvelously gory and sleazy low-budget horror splatter gem "Basket Case." Kevin was born on May 28, 1953 and hails from Oak Park, Michigan. He initially began acting in 10th grade. Van Hentenryk had an uncle who was a performer in radio, television, and movies and an aunt who had acted in a soap opera for many years. Kevin graduated from Ferndale High School in 1972. Van Hentenryck first met Henenlotter while attending the American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York City. He eventually wound up playing his first substantial lead role in Henenlotter's "Basket Case." The slender, curly-haired and boyishly affable Van Hentenryck brought a winning blend of sweet wide-eyed innocence and charming awkwardness to the part of Duane. He had an amusing cameo as Duane in Henenlotter's terrific "Brain Damage." In addition, Van Hentenryck reprised the role of Duane in the two hugely enjoyable "Basket Case" sequels. He more recently gave a hilarious performance as a deranged psycho in the uproarious horror comic short "The Catskill Chainsaw Redemption." Outside of acting, Kevin Van Hentenryck has had a successful career as a self-taught sculptor.