Everyone has those moments where they see a famous face but can’t quite place the name. These are the actors, singers and players that seem to always be part of the cultural landscape, yet have the ability to leave you stumped as to who they are. See if you can recognize some of these famous Kens before reading the descriptions.
- Kenneth Branagh – Yes, he is a world famous actor, so it should come as no surprise that you recognize him. However, Branagh is one of the most accomplished character actors in the world, meaning that he can pull off most any role. If you happened to watch the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, specifically the short movie “Isles of Wonder,” you would have seen Kenneth take on the role of famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
- Ken Shamrock – As one of the most well-known hall of famers in mixed martial arts, Ken Shamrock is instantly recognizable to fans of the sport. He also is featured heavily in professional wrestling, and is credited with opening the door for future cross-overs between the two franchises. Shamrock has a very distinct look, and although you may not follow wrestling or MMA, you are sure to recognize this iconic figure.
- Ken Starr – Starr’s claim to fame was his role in the investigation of the Whitewater real estate investments of Bill Clinton. His name was all over the media at the time, however, many will recognize his face without being able to place the name. Ironically, it is the face of Monica Lewinski, whose affair with Bill Clinton was exposed by Starr, which most people will automatically associate with the investigation.
- Kenneth Hutchinson – Let that name swirl around in your brain for a second. Okay, have you figured it out yet? If not, maybe the name “David Soul” will give you a clue. Yes, this Ken is better known as one half of the duo Starsky and Hutch. As his full name was rarely mentioned in the show, it is understandable that most people will recognize the face but not the name.
- Ken Kirzinger – This is one face you definitely would not have wanted to see in a dark alley in 2003. Ken Kirzinger played the masked psycho-killer Jason Voorhees in “Freddie Versus Jason.” An accomplished stuntman, Kirzinger insisted on doing all his own stunts for the movie, despite protests from the director. Other roles included playing Jared Bender in the popular television series, “Supernatural.”
- Ken Jenkins – As actors go, Ken Jenkins has had a long and colourful career. However, he really came into his own when he took on the role of Dr. Bob Kelso in the hit comedy series Scrubs. Kelso was the head of medicine at Sacred Heart, and was also notorious for being cheap, uncaring and abusive to both hospital staff and his long-suffering wife.
- Kenneth Wolstenholme – “They think it’s all over… it is now” – a phrase any soccer fan of worth will instantly recognize. Kenneth Wolstenholme uttered his most recognized catchphrase in the closing minutes of the 1966 FIFA World Cup between England and Germany. The phrase was born from supporters invading the pitch, just before Geoff Hurst scored a fourth goal for the England side.
- Ken Venturi – Even if you’re not a fan of golf, after 35 years as an analyst of the sport for CBS, Ken Venturi had a face that was instantly recognizable. Ken was also a pro in the early years of the PGA and just missed out on winning the Masters against Arnold Palmer on two occasions. Venturi passed away on May 17, 2013 at the age of 82. He had retired from CBS back in 2002 and was living with his third wife, Kathleen, at the time of his death.
- Reginald Kenneth Dwight – Take note of this name – it’s a frequent quiz master favourite. Reginald Kenneth Dwight is none other than Elton John. It’s not a name that the singer has used for a long time, and Elton John does sound much better. The name “Elton John” was created by amalgamating the first names of his idols, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.
- Ken Robinson – If you’ve been paying attention to the Internet, and especially the “Ted Talks” channel, you may have spotted Sir Ken Robinson’s meteoric rise to fame. Robinson hosted a Ted Talk on creativity and how educators are stifling children, rather than nurturing them. The talk captured the imaginations of people from all over the world, and soon Sir Ken Robinson was declared the number one authority on creative thinking.