Keith Ian Carradine was born on August 8, 1949, in San Mateo, California, to John Carradine and Sonia Sorel. His parents divorced when he was six, and he went on to study theater arts at Colorado State University, dropping out after one semester to pursue his acting career.
Keith made his Broadway debut in the 1969 rock musical "Hair," playing the role of Claude, and later appeared with his father in a stage production of "Tobacco Road" in Florida. He broke into films with a part in the 1971 western "A Gunfight," and went on to work with director Robert Altman on several films, including "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" and "Nashville," for which he won an Oscar for his songwriting.
Keith has continued to work in film and television throughout his career, appearing in a wide range of projects, including "Thieves Like Us," "The Duellists," "Pretty Baby," and "Deadwood." He has also worked on stage, winning an Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance in "Foxfire" and earning a Tony and Drama Desk nomination for his work in "The Will Rogers Follies."
In addition to his acting career, Keith has also worked as a writer and composer. He has written music for several films and television shows, including "Nashville" and "Wild West Tech." He has also been involved in various musical projects, including the Broadway musical "The Will Rogers Follies."
Keith has been married twice, first to actress Sandra Ann Will Carradine, with whom he had two children, and then to actress Hayley DuMond. He has a total of four children, including actress Martha Plimpton, who is his daughter with his former partner Shelley Plimpton.
Throughout his career, Keith has been known for his versatility and range as an actor, and has worked with many of the most respected directors and actors in the industry. He continues to work in film, television, and theater, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected actors of his generation.