Kene Holliday: The Life and Career Television Actor

Kene Holliday is an American actor best known for playing Tyler Hudson on the hit television series Matlock. Additionally, he has made notable appearances in other shows like Carter Country, The Parkers and Roots: The Next Generations. In this article we’ll look into Kene Holliday’s life and career from its early beginnings in New York to recent projects.

Early Life and Education

Kene Holliday was born June 25, 1949 in Copiague, New York to musical parents; his father was a jazz musician while his mother sang. While attending Copiague High School for his studies in sports (particularly football and basketball) as well as acting ( he joined the drama club).

After graduating from high school, he received a football scholarship to Maryland State College (now University of Maryland Eastern Shore) on which he majored in sociology while also minoring in theater arts and joining Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity; later that same year he graduated with his bachelor’s degree.

Acting Career

Kene Holliday began his acting career on stage, performing in various off-Broadway and regional productions before making his Broadway debut as Horse in The Wiz musical in 1974. Since then he has made appearances in other shows like Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Dreamgirls on Broadway.

He first appeared on TV as a guest star on Good Times in 1977, before landing a regular role on Carter Country as Sergeant Curtis Baker-a black deputy who patrols small Georgia towns from 1977 to 1979. Carter Country ran for two seasons from 1977-1979.

He continued his television career by appearing in shows such as The Incredible Hulk, MASH, Hill Street Blues and The Fall Guy. Additionally he played the part of Lewis George in Roots: The Next Generations in 1979.

In 1986, he first gained recognition with his breakthrough role of Tyler Hudson on the legal drama Matlock. He played Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith), an attorney known for using deductive reasoning skills to solve crimes. Tyler Hudson appeared regularly from 1986-1989 before leaving due to personal issues including drug addiction and divorce.

He returned to television in the late ’90s, appearing in shows such as The Parkers, The Jamie Foxx Show, and The District. Additionally, he provided voiceover work for animated series like The Wild Thorn berrys, Static Shock and The Proud Family.

Recent Projects and Personal Life

Kene Holliday has been extremely busy recently, working on various media projects. His film credits include Great World of Sound(2007), The Philadelphia Experiment (2012), and The Last Passport(2018). Additionally, he has written and performed in one-man shows such as The Gospel Truth and The King of the World as well as publishing his memoir entitled From Copiague to Carter Country to Matlock: The Kene Holliday Story in 2019.

He currently resides in Durham, North Carolina where he participates in numerous community and church activities. He is married to Linda Copling – his third wife – and they share four children from previous unions.

Kene Holliday is an extraordinarily gifted and versatile actor/actress.