GoKawiilData analysis finds Samuel L. Jackson, not Kevin Bacon, is Hollywood's best-connected actor
A statistical analysis of actor co-starring networks calculated 'remoteness' scores measuring how many steps separate each actor from every other actor in Hollywood. The study found Samuel L. Jackson has the lowest remoteness score at 2.09, making him the most central actor, followed by Willem Dafoe and Robert De Niro. Kevin Bacon, the namesake of the popular 'Six Degrees' game, ranks only 175th with a remoteness of 2.28, and historical data shows he has never topped the rankings even dating back to 1980.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings challenge a long-standing pop-culture assumption that Kevin Bacon is uniquely central to Hollywood's web of collaborations, suggesting the game's name reflects cultural memory rather than network centrality. The analysis also highlights that women occupy only 16 of the top 100 spots, which could reflect broader patterns of casting and collaboration opportunities afforded to female actors over time. Such network analyses may offer researchers or studios a quantitative lens on industry connectivity and influence.
- Samuel L. Jackson, not Kevin Bacon, has the lowest 'remoteness' score among Hollywood actors, at 2.09.
- Kevin Bacon ranks 175th overall, with his best historical rank being #108 in 1996.
- Women make up only 16 of the top 100 most-connected actors, with Nicole Kidman ranking highest at #21.
Source: pudding.cool — The Pudding, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “The Real Kevin Bacon”
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