What is the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon?

The “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” game is a playful version of the six degrees of separation idea. It assumes that any actor can be connected to American actor Kevin Bacon through a short chain of shared film roles.

Each step links two actors who appeared together in the same film or television project. Because the film industry is highly interconnected, the number of steps required is often surprisingly small.

Definition of a Bacon number

In other words, the Bacon number of an actor is the length of the shortest chain of co-appearances connecting that actor to Kevin Bacon.

Example: Tom Hanks

A classic example chain is:

1. Tom Hanks appeared in Apollo 13 (1995).
2. Kevin Bacon also appeared in Apollo 13 (1995).

This is a one-step connection, so Tom Hanks has Bacon number 1.

How to compute a Bacon number by hand

To compute a Bacon number manually for any actor:

1. Pick a starting actor.
2. Find a film that the actor appeared in.
3. Look at the cast list and choose a co-star who has worked widely with others.
4. Repeat the process with that co-star, moving one step closer toward Kevin Bacon.
5. Stop when you reach Kevin Bacon; the number of actor-to-actor links is the Bacon number.

Our helper above does not search film databases for you, but it makes it easier to build and count the chain as you go.

Limitations and good practice

• This page is for entertainment only and does not provide professional advice.
• Always verify film titles and cast lists using a reliable film database or trusted reference source.
• When in doubt, double-check release years and actor credits to avoid mixing remakes or different productions with similar titles.

FAQ – Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

Why Kevin Bacon?

Kevin Bacon has had a long career with roles across mainstream hits, independent films, ensemble casts and television. This broad filmography made him a convenient and memorable focal point for the game, even though other actors could function in a similar way.

Do all actors have a Bacon number?

Most well-known film and television actors appear to have a finite Bacon number, thanks to the interconnected nature of the industry. However, some stage-only performers or actors working exclusively in very small local productions might not connect within a reasonable chain.

Is there only one correct chain?

No. There can be many valid chains connecting the same actor to Kevin Bacon. The shortest valid chain defines the Bacon number, but part of the fun is discovering creative or surprising alternative routes.

Can Bacon numbers change over time?

Yes. When actors participate in new projects together, the shortest available chain can change, sometimes reducing an actor’s Bacon number if a new, more direct connection appears.