Born in Cleveland and raised in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Sean Kanan began his acting career while he was a political science major at Boston University. After landing a role in the locally-filmed Spenser: For Hire, he transferred to UCLA to devote more time to acting. Following graduation, he honed his skills at local comedy clubs and appeared in television programs such as The Nanny, Who's the Boss, MTV's Dead at 21, and Oliver Stone's Wild Palms miniseries, among others.
Sean made his feature film debut as Mike Barnes in Karate Kid III after being hand-picked by director John Avildsen (Rocky) during an open call of over 2,000 actors. He had studied karate and kickboxing while growing up and was able to perform his own stunts.
On daytime television, Sean received a nomination for Best Newcomer from the annual Soap Opera Digest Awards for his role as the trouble-ridden A.J. Quartermaine on General Hospital. His next role was that of the enigmatic businessman Jude Cavenaugh on Sunset Beach.
Sean has also taken on theatrical roles, including starring as Austin in Sam Shepard's True West at the Zephyr in Los Angeles and in Irish Coffee at the Burbage, also in Los Angeles.
In 1994, Sean co-wrote, produced and starred in a short film, Oasis Cafe, with Gary Busey, and went on to form his own production company, Kanan/Hammerschlag Productions. The company recently completed the independent film, March, which co-stars Rena Sofer and Sean. Set to air in coming months also is the film Crash Point Zero, which co-stars Sean opposite Treat Williams. Production is beginning now on Chasing Holden a Lion's Gate film that Sean wrote and will executive produce and co-star in opposite D. J. Qualls.
In 1993, Sean spent four years playing A.J. Quartermaine on General Hospital. Then in 2000, Sean spent four years playing conman Deacon Sharpe on daytime's The Bold and the Beautiful. Five years later, his character crossed over to The Young and The Restless, still a conman with an eye for the ladies with money.
When not working, Sean enjoys practicing martial arts and writing poetry, plays and screenplays.
PLACE OF BIRTH: Cleveland, Ohio
DATE OF BIRTH: November 2, 1966
CHILDREN: Daughter, Simone Andrea Kanan (b. late 2001; with Gladis Jimenez)