Hollywood power couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick have one of the entertainment industry’s most enduring marriages, spanning over three decades. But in a hilarious and heartwarming revelation, Bacon recently admitted that he completely forgot the first time he met his future wife—only for Sedgwick to remind him of their actual meet-cute years later. Here’s the full story behind their accidental love story and how they built a legendary romance.
The Forgotten First Meeting
For years, Kevin Bacon believed he first met Kyra Sedgwick on the set of the 1987 PBS television movie Lemon Sky, where they played love interests. But as Sedgwick later revealed, their paths had actually crossed much earlier—and Bacon had no memory of it.
The Real First Encounter (1976)
- Where: A Manhattan laundromat near Sedgwick’s childhood home
- The Scene: A 17-year-old Sedgwick was doing laundry when 18-year-old Bacon walked in
- Her Memory: She recognized him from a National Lampoon show and thought, “Wow, he’s cute”
- His Memory: Absolutely none—Bacon had zero recollection of this moment
Sedgwick joked in interviews that she had to “remind him 10 years into our marriage that we’d actually met before.”
Why Bacon Forgot
- He was a struggling actor at the time, doing odd jobs in New York
- The encounter was brief—no conversation occurred
- “I was probably distracted thinking about my next audition,” Bacon later admitted
The Official Meet-Cute: Lemon Sky (1987)
Their real first meaningful meeting happened 11 years later on the set of the TV drama Lemon Sky. This time, sparks flew.
How Their Romance Began
- First Impressions: Sedgwick thought Bacon was “intense but magnetic”; he was immediately smitten
- Off-Screen Chemistry: Between takes, they bonded over their New York roots and love of theater
- The First Date: Bacon invited her to see a punk band at CBGB—she agreed, sealing their connection
A Whirlwind Courtship
- Dated for only 10 months before eloping in 1988
- Married in a simple ceremony at a friend’s apartment—no family, just witnesses
- Bacon later said, “When you know, you know. We both felt it instantly.”
Why Their Marriage Has Lasted 35+ Years
In an industry where relationships often crumble under pressure, Bacon and Sedgwick’s bond has only strengthened. Here’s their secret:
1. They Prioritize Family
- Raised two children (Travis and Sosie) away from Hollywood’s spotlight
- Instituted a “no more than two weeks apart” rule during filming
- Often work on projects together (The Closer, City on a Hill)
2. They Keep the Romance Alive
- Still go on weekly dates after all these years
- Bacon famously sends Sedgwick a love note every single day
- Their playful social media flirting (see: #BaconSedgwickChallenge) keeps fans obsessed
3. They Support Each Other’s Careers
- Sedgwick directed Bacon in Story of a Girl (2017)
- Bacon executive produced The Closer for her
- “We’re each other’s toughest critics and biggest fans,” Sedgwick told Variety
The Funniest Part? Bacon’s Memory Issues Continue
Even after Sedgwick’s laundromat revelation, Bacon’s forgetfulness remains a running joke:
- Forgot Their Anniversary Once: “I remembered at 11:30 PM—Kyra still hasn’t let me live it down.”
- Mixed Up Their Kids’ Birthdays: “In my defense, they’re only two years apart!”
- Sedgwick’s Prank: She once convinced him they’d met a third time pre-Lemon Sky—he believed her for weeks
Where Are They Now?
At 65 (Bacon) and 58 (Sedgwick), the couple shows no signs of slowing down:
- Recent Projects: Bacon in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley (2024); Sedgwick in Space Oddity (2024)
- Philanthropy: Active in LGBTQ+ rights via their Bacon Brothers Foundation
- Social Media Gold: Their TikTok dances have gone viral multiple times
Why This Story Resonates
Beyond being adorable, their relationship teaches valuable lessons:
💕 Love Isn’t Always Love at First Sight (Sometimes it’s love at second sight!)
💕 Imperfections Make the Best Stories (Who needs a perfect memory when you have perfect chemistry?)
💕 Commitment Over Flash (No red-carpet spectacle—just 35 years of daily love notes)
As Bacon once summarized: “The secret to our marriage? Marry someone you genuinely like. The rest works itself out.”
Update: The couple will celebrate their 37th anniversary on September 4, 2025. Here’s to many more years of forgotten first meetings and unforgettable love.