kevin connolly director

From 'E' To A-List Director: The Shocking New Path Of Kevin Connolly's Career In 2025

kevin connolly director

Kevin Connolly's career trajectory has long been defined by his iconic role as Eric "E" Murphy on the HBO hit series Entourage, but as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the veteran actor has firmly established himself as a serious force behind the camera.

The latest updates on his professional life, including his upcoming projects Krazy House and Mob Cops, reveal a strategic pivot from Hollywood actor to a multi-hyphenate director and producer, with a clear focus on genre films through his own banner, ActionPark Productions. His work is fresh, current, and promises to surprise fans who only know him as the manager of a fictional movie star.

Kevin Connolly: A Comprehensive Director & Actor Profile

Kevin Connolly is an American actor, director, and producer whose career spans over three decades, transitioning from child actor to a major television star and, more recently, an accomplished feature film director.

  • Full Name: Kevin Connolly
  • Date of Birth: March 5, 1974
  • Place of Birth: Patchogue, New York, U.S.
  • Primary Roles: Actor, Director, Producer
  • Best Known For (Acting): Eric "E" Murphy in the HBO series Entourage (2004–2011) and the Entourage movie (2015).
  • Directorial Debut (Feature Film): Gardener of Eden (2007)
  • Notable Directing Credits: Gotti (2018), The Oath (TV Series, multiple episodes), Snatch (TV Series, multiple episodes).
  • Production Company: Co-founder of ActionPark Productions.

The Unexpected Shift: Directing Blockbusters and True Crime

While many actors who transition to directing start with small passion projects, Connolly took on a massive, high-profile challenge early in his feature film directorial career: the John Gotti biopic, Gotti.

This 2018 film, starring John Travolta as the infamous mob boss, was a pivotal moment. It demonstrated Connolly's ambition and his willingness to tackle complex, controversial subjects, moving far beyond the comedic world of Entourage. The production was a significant undertaking, involving a large cast and a challenging narrative based on real-life events.

A Deep Dive into Connolly's Directorial Filmography

Connolly’s work behind the camera shows a consistent interest in both episodic television and feature films, often exploring gritty or dramatic themes.

  • Whatever We Do (2003): This short film served as his first major directorial effort, featuring an impressive cast including Robert Downey Jr., Tim Roth, and Zooey Deschanel.
  • Gardener of Eden (2007): His feature-length debut, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, focused on a young man's descent into trouble, showcasing Connolly’s eye for character-driven drama.
  • Dear Eleanor (2016): A coming-of-age comedy-drama set in 1962, this film further cemented his versatility in handling different genres.
  • Television Directing: Connolly has directed multiple episodes for major TV series, including the sitcom Unhappily Ever After, the crime drama The Oath (starring Sean Bean), and the TV adaptation of Guy Ritchie’s Snatch.

2024–2025: The Director's Focus on Horror and Production

The most fascinating development in Connolly's career is his current focus on the horror genre, not just as an actor but as a producer and creative force through his company, ActionPark Productions.

While he is currently starring in several highly anticipated films, his primary creative energy appears to be in developing and producing new, genre-specific content.

Upcoming Projects: Actor, Producer, and Director Roles

Connolly's 2024–2025 slate is a mix of acting and behind-the-scenes work, illustrating his dual-track career strategy:

  • Krazy House (2024): Connolly stars in this dark comedy/horror film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He plays the role of 'Jesus' alongside Nick Frost and Alicia Silverstone. In this project, he is purely an actor.
  • Mob Cops (2024/2025): He stars in this crime drama, which is directed by his frequent collaborator Danny A. Abeckaser. The film is based on the true story of the Mafia's police hitmen, a thematic return to his interest in true crime narratives.
  • The Exorcism at Lincoln High (Announced): This upcoming horror film, set to be shot in Albany, is a major focus for Connolly, though he is primarily involved as a producer. The film is directed by horror veteran Steve Miner, and Connolly’s involvement is a major endorsement of the project.
  • Lice (Post-Production): This gruesome throwback to '80s high school horror is another ActionPark Productions project. Connolly is involved as an actor and is the creator of the original concept, solidifying his hands-on approach to developing new genre films.

The ActionPark Productions Strategy: Building Topical Authority

Kevin Connolly has strategically used his production company, ActionPark Productions, to pivot his brand. By focusing on horror and crime thrillers, he is building topical authority in genres that are far removed from the glitz and glamour of Entourage.

This move is a smart directorial and business decision. It allows him to control the creative vision, develop projects from the ground up, and provide opportunities for his network of industry friends, including actors like Emile Hirsch and Justin Long.

His role as a director on shows like The Oath and Snatch has given him invaluable experience in fast-paced, high-stakes television production, which he is now applying to feature films. This diverse background positions him not just as an actor who dabbled in directing, but as a seasoned filmmaker with a deep understanding of the industry's various demands.

As 2025 unfolds, fans should expect to see Kevin Connolly’s name attached to more horror and true-crime projects. His transition from Eric Murphy to a serious, genre-focused director and producer is complete, marking a compelling second act in a career full of shocking and successful transformations.

kevin connolly director
kevin connolly director

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kevin connolly director
kevin connolly director

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