Kevin Kline on Acting and the New Series American Classic

Actor Kevin Kline has shared the personal and professional reflections that informed the creation of the MGM+ series American Classic. In an interview with NPR’s Scott Simon on April 4, 2026, Kline discussed how the joys and sorrows of acting served as the inspiration for the production.

The series serves as a tribute to the theater, community, and the specific nature of community theater. It follows the story of Richard Bean, a narcissistic stage actor portrayed by Kline.

The Fall of Richard Bean

At the start of the narrative, Richard Bean is a prominent figure in the theater world, appearing in a Broadway production of King Lear. Despite his fame, the character struggles with his performance, forgetting lines and requiring assistance to be pushed onto the stage.

Bean’s career takes a sharp turn after a drunken encounter with a hostile critic from the New York Times. The assault was captured on video, leading to his suspension from the play. Following the incident, his agent, played by Tony Shalhoub, advises him to leave the city and maintain a low profile to allow the public scrutiny to subside.

Return to Pennsylvania

The plot shifts when Richard learns of the death of his mother, played by Jane Alexander in film clips. This event prompts his return to his small hometown in Pennsylvania.

Richard’s family consists of actors, similar to the Barrymores, though they are no longer active in the profession. The family owns a theater that was once celebrated but has since declined financially. To survive, the venue has transitioned into a dinner theater, hosting touring productions such as Forever Plaid and Nunsense rather than the classic stage works that Richard considers foundational to his craft.

Family and Community Dynamics

Upon his return, Richard encounters his brother, Jon, played by Jon Tenney, who manages the theater’s kitchen. Jon is married to Kristen, played by Laura Linney, who serves as the town’s mayor. Kristen and Richard were formerly acting partners and dated before her marriage.

The series also explores the aspirations of the next generation through Miranda, the teenage daughter of Jon and Kristen, played by Nell Verlaque. Miranda harbors a desire to act and move to New York City, following the path her mother once took, though she keeps these ambitions secret from her parents.

The production is characterized as a love letter to the theatrical arts and the communities that support them, contrasting the high-pressure environment of Broadway with the grassroots nature of local theater.