Kevin James O'Neill, a native of Sacramento, California, embarked on a path that would shape his future, following the completion of his high school education. He took the bold step of enlisting in the United States Army, where he served with distinction as a telephone lineman. Upon completing his military service, O'Neill chose to further his education by attending Brevard Community College, where he pursued a course of study in Fire Technology.
During his time at the college, O'Neill's exceptional skills and dedication as a volunteer firefighter caught the attention of the Merritt Island Fire department, leading to his recruitment as a full-time firefighter.
John's stint as a firefighter, which spanned a period of six years, was punctuated by his enrollment in elective courses at Brevard Community College, where he discovered a passion for the dramatic arts through his participation in various drama classes.
This serendipitous encounter with the world of acting proved to be a catalyst for his burgeoning interest in the craft, and he soon found himself taking on his first acting role in a production of "Bye Bye Birdie".
This inaugural foray into the world of acting marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the art form, and John went on to appear in a diverse range of productions, including the classic musical "Grease", the suspenseful thriller "Deathtrap", the nostalgic drama "Bus Stop", the eerie adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula", and the witty comedy "Born Yesterday".
Kevin, a former fire department member, made the significant decision to relocate to Orlando in the year 1984, marking a pivotal turning point in his career as he sought to capitalize on his passion for acting.
His first major breakthrough in the film industry came with a starring role in the 1985 science fiction movie "D.A.R.Y.L.", directed by the renowned Simon Wincer.
Following this successful venture, Kevin went on to secure appearances in a variety of commercials, further solidifying his status as a talented up-and-coming actor.
Notably, his impressive performances and dedication to his craft earned him a coveted spot among the esteemed membership of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG),a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting the interests and well-being of its actor members.
Kevin embarked on a new chapter in his professional journey, relocating to the City of Angels, where he spent a decade honing his craft in the realms of television and film, while also securing a plethora of high-profile roles in over 100 national television commercials. During this period, he had the privilege of collaborating on several notable productions, including the critically acclaimed "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman," the iconic teen drama "Beverly Hills 90210," and the heartwarming drama "Highway to Heaven."
Over the course of the past twenty years, Kevin has dedicated himself to his career as a film director, overseeing the creation and production of a multitude of short films through his own production company, aptly named Kevin O'Neill Productions.
Kevin, a talented individual, has made a notable impact in the world of filmmaking, particularly in the realm of short films. One of his most acclaimed short films, "Undertaking," starring the accomplished actor Eddie Jemison, has garnered an impressive ten film festival wins, a testament to Kevin's skill and creativity.
In addition to his work on short films, Kevin has also penned feature scripts for a variety of projects, including "The Craftsman," "Resemblance," "50 Hours," "Thundersmack," "Trestles," "The Flamingo Kid," and "Pathfinder." These scripts showcase Kevin's versatility and ability to craft compelling stories across a range of genres and styles.
Kevin has spent the past two decades honing his expertise as a Course Director at Full Sail University, where he has had the privilege of guiding students through the intricacies of directing. His vast knowledge and experience have enabled him to impart valuable insights and skills to his students, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in the film industry.
In addition to his role at Full Sail University, Kevin also teaches acting in the Orlando area, drawing upon his extensive background in the performing arts to share his expertise with aspiring actors. His passion for teaching and mentoring is evident in the way he approaches his classes, always striving to create a supportive and encouraging environment that fosters growth and creativity.
With his extensive experience and knowledge, Kevin is well-equipped to provide guidance and support to his students, helping them to develop their skills and achieve their goals. Whether he is teaching directing or acting, Kevin's ultimate goal is to inspire and empower his students to reach their full potential.
