Kevin Bacon rejected M&M role after an unexpected intervention from his wife, Kyra Sedgwick, choosing not to participate in a commercial that would have seen him dance to “Footloose” dressed as a giant peanut M&M. The decision came after she firmly expressed discomfort with the idea, emphasizing her unease with talking food characters.
Bacon, a legendary actor recognized for his extensive career spanning nearly five decades, is known for his willingness to take on a broad spectrum of roles. From portraying bounty hunters resurrected by the devil, troubled fathers and widowers, to politicians and law enforcement officers, his versatility has kept him relevant in Hollywood ever since his early days, which began with his feature film debut in the 1978 comedy classic, Animal House.
Despite facing personal and professional setbacks following Footloose, Bacon made a conscious decision to accept nearly any role that challenged him, believing adaptability was key to longevity in the challenging environment of Hollywood. This approach has certainly paid off; as he nears fifty years in the industry, he continues to take on new projects, appearing in eight films and two television shows since 2022 alone.
Through all his achievements and independence, family still holds significant influence over his career choices. Bacon and Sedgwick, married since 1988, have both built celebrated careers and frequently collaborated on films such as Murder in the First, Loverboy, and Cop Car. While they often pursue separate projects, Sedgwick occasionally weighs in on his professional decisions.
Wife’s Food Phobia Leads to Rare Refusal
Kyra Sedgwick has never interfered with even Bacon’s most controversial roles, never objecting to his parts as a sex offender in The Woodsman or an abusive prison guard in Sleepers. However, she drew a clear boundary when Bacon was approached for the commercial involving him as a singing-and-dancing M&M, specifically due to her aversion to anthropomorphized food.
“It is true that I had to turn down dancing to ‘Footloose’ dressed as a giant peanut M&M for a commercial,”
Kevin Bacon, Actor.
“Because my wife doesn’t like it when food talks. It’s just a thing she has. If she sees a talking grape, it freaks her out. When there was a possibility I might be a talking M&M, she just said, ‘No, that’s too far.’”
, Kevin Bacon, Actor.
According to Bacon, Sedgwick’s phobia made the conversation about the role a non-starter. While from the outside it might seem curious—especially given her tolerance of his previous darker characters—her strong dislike of talking food left Bacon with little choice but to refuse.
An Unlikely Dealbreaker in a Storied Career
The decision underscores the influence of personal relationships on career paths, even for seasoned actors like Bacon. The prospect of watching her husband personify an M&M put Sedgwick well beyond her comfort zone, and Bacon was unwilling to undermine that feeling. Although the role may have seemed lighthearted in comparison to many he has played—such as a vengeful widower or a veteran police officer—he respected his wife’s boundaries.
As Bacon continues to mark significant chapters in his life, with the upcoming 50th anniversary of his debut, this missed opportunity stands as a testament to the unusual factors that can shape even the most established careers. Fans are left to imagine what might have been, but Bacon’s stance makes it clear: sometimes, family takes precedence, and not every unconventional offer is worth the trouble it could cause at home.
