Kip Niven, a renowned individual, was born and raised in the affluent suburb of Prairie Village, Kansas, which is situated in Johnson County, just outside of Kansas City. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1963, marking the beginning of his educational journey.
Niven's academic path took an unexpected turn when he spent a year at Baylor University, only to later change his mind and enroll in the theater program at The University of Kansas. During his time at the university, he actively participated in numerous plays, honing his acting skills and laying the foundation for his future success.
Throughout his illustrious career, Niven accumulated an impressive resume, featuring a wide range of film credits, including Magnum Force (1973),Earthquake (1974),and Midway (1976). He also made significant appearances on television shows, such as The Waltons (1972),Law & Order (1990),and Walker, Texas Ranger (1993). Additionally, he had notable roles on Broadway, in regional theater, and episodic radio shows.
One of Niven's most memorable stints was his three-year run as Steve Marsh on the popular TV sitcom Alice (1976). During this period, he also tied the knot with the show's star, Linda Lavin, in 1982. Unfortunately, their marriage was marked by turbulence, and they eventually divorced.
Niven's personal life was also marred by tragedy when his first wife, Susan, passed away in a car accident in 1981. He went on to marry Beth, with whom he had a daughter, Maggie, born in 1994. The couple also had two grandsons.
In 1995, Niven returned to the Kansas City area, where he spent his formative years. He continued to work in local theater and on a comedy radio show, staying active in the entertainment industry while drawing inspiration from his roots.
