Carol Kane Biography: Age, Emmy, Movies, Net Worth, Height, Taxi, Partner

Carolyn Laurie Kane, professionally known as Carol Kane, is an American actress and comedian celebrated for her quirky charisma and distinctive voice. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Hester Street (1975) and became a household name with her Emmy-winning role as Simka Gravas on Taxi.

Over a career spanning five decades, she’s showcased her range in both drama and comedy across film, television, and theater, also earning acclaim for her roles in The Princess Bride, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and multiple Broadway productions of Wicked.

Profile

• Full Name: Carolyn Laurie Kane
• Stage Name: Carol Kane
• Born: 18, June 1952
• Age: 72 years old
• Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Comedian
• Height: 1.57 m
• Parents: Elaine Joy Fetterman, Michael Myron Kane
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: None
• Girlfriends: Woody Harrelson (1986–1988)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

Carolyn Laurie Kane was born on June 18, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Elaine Joy Fetterman, a jazz singer and pianist, and Michael Myron Kane, an architect. She was raised Jewish with roots in Russia, Poland, and Austria.

Due to her parents’ divorce, Kane spent much of her childhood in boarding schools, eventually attending the Professional Children’s School in New York. She began performing in theater at age 14, debuting in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1966.

Career

Carol Kane began her professional acting career with small but notable roles in early 1970s films such as Carnal Knowledge (1971) and The Last Detail (1973), where her talent and unique presence quickly drew attention. Her breakthrough came with the independent film Hester Street (1975), earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and establishing her as a formidable dramatic performer.

That same year, she appeared alongside Al Pacino in Dog Day Afternoon, further demonstrating her depth and versatility.

Transitioning into comedy, Kane made a significant impact in the late 1970s and 1980s with memorable roles in films like Annie Hall (1977), When a Stranger Calls (1979), and The Princess Bride (1987). From 1980 to 1983, she starred as Simka Dahblitz-Gravas on the acclaimed television series Taxi, a role that earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe nomination, solidifying her place in television history.

Her comedic timing and distinctive voice made her a standout in both film and television during this period.

Kane’s career continued to flourish across stage and screen. She starred as Madame Morrible in the Broadway and touring productions of Wicked from 2005 to 2014, showcasing her theatrical range. In recent years, she reached new audiences as Lillian Kaushtupper on Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2020) and currently appears as Pelia in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2023–present), underscoring her enduring versatility and appeal in the entertainment industry.

Social Media

Carol Kane is not on social media handles

Personal Life

Carol Kane has chosen a life centered on her passions and creative pursuits rather than traditional family roles, never marrying or having children. During the late 1980s, she was romantically involved with fellow actor Woody Harrelson from 1986 to 1988, and their relationship evolved into a lasting friendship that endures to this day.

Renowned for her warm yet private personality, Kane is known to keep her personal life out of the spotlight, preferring a modest and unassuming lifestyle.

Filmography

• Hester Street (1975)
• Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
• Annie Hall (1977)
• When a Stranger Calls (1979)
• The Princess Bride (1987)
• Scrooged (1988)
• Addams Family Values (1993)
• Between the Temples (2024)
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2020)
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2023–present)

Net Worth

Carol Kane has an estimated net worth of approximately $4 million, derived from her prolific career in film, television, theater, and ongoing royalties. Her enduring presence in projects like Taxi, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Broadway musicals continues to generate both critical and financial success.