James Kiberd joined the cast of "All My Children" in June, 1989, as offbeat detective Trevor Dillon, in what was originally intended as a five-day stint.
James' creation of a wildly unique character earned him a contract role on his first day, and Trevor has now graduated from detective to lawyer.
An artist since the age of four, when he began drawing portraits in his native Providence, R.I., James has studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, the Graduate School of Fine Arts at the University of Pennsylvania, and most of Europe's major museums. His work has won acclaim from the New York State Council on the Arts and the America the Beautiful Fund. As executive director of a cultural institution in Rockland County, New York, he assisted a multi-cultural bilingual community in developing its own art and cultural life. In return, the community dedicated an art gallery in his name.
His portrayal of Macbeth at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival topped all
attendance records. His regional and off-Broadway credits include "Death of
a Salesman," "The Seagull," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," "Dracula,"
John Ford Noonan's "Recent Developments in Southern Connecticut," Thurber's "The Male Animal" and the world premiere of Donald Freed's "Veteran's Day."
James is also active in experimental and improvisational theater.
James starred in the movie, "Loving," with Geraldine Page in 1983, originating the role of Mike Donovan, an emotionally scarred Vietnam veteran. He continued with the role when "Loving" became a daytime drama on the network, winning a Soap Opera Award for Best Actor. He met his future wife, actress Susan Keith, when she was hired to play his love interest on the serial -- but it was "loathe" at first sight. After screen-testing with 20 women to be his new love interest, Kiberd told the producers, "They're all fine except her, please don't hire her." They now share a glorious, 130-year-old Victorian home in upstate New York with a Siamese cat, two Rottweiler dogs and teams of contractors -- who are now in their third year of a three-month renovation.
In 1994, James was honored with the prestigious Danny Kaye Award at the National Convention of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF. Fans send ties for Trevor to wear on the show -- the character has a history of wearing unusual and outstanding ties -- and the ties make up the "Knots for Tots" program. James then sells the personally autographed ties, and all contributions go to UNICEF. In 1995, James became the U. S. Committee for UNICEF's fourth National Ambassador.
PLACE OF BIRTH: Providence, RI
DATE OF BIRTH: July 6
HEIGHT: 6'
HAIR: Light brown
EYES: Brown
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Susan Keith (May 17th, 1986 to Present)
EDUCATION: Attended the Graduate School of Fine Arts at the University of Pennsylvania