Finnerty Steeves

Former student and graduate, MFA Program, American Conservatory Theater San Francisco

I was so sad to hear of the passing of Kevin Jackson.

Kevin was one of our core acting teachers at The American Conservatory Theater. We had heard stories about him before his arrival and I was extremely intimidated when I first met him. Honestly, he scared the crap out of me and I wanted nothing more than to make him happy with the intense level of rigor he demanded of us.

I remember one of the first days we met (possibly the first?) Kevin spoke about some of his favorite actors, films and plays. He then turned it to us and said “I want to know a little about you. One and a time. Tell me, what is your favorite film?” I froze. Only one film came to mind. I loved it but it wasn’t going to be impressive. My classmates were extraordinary. They were throwing out the best of the best. A few were foreign titles I’d never heard of. For some reason, my desire to impress him kept me frozen. We went around the circle and it was finally my turn. I panicked. I blurted out the only title I could think of. “Uhhh. I’d have to say ‘The Three Amigos!” The air left the room. There was a long pause. He starred right at me, blinked a few times and muttered “Finnerty, I said, …A film!”.

He was hilarious. He was tough. He was vulnerable. He was ornery. He was demanding. And like me, he was always 2 deep breaths away from tears. I adored him. He was Kevin Jackson. Kevin, thank you. You have altered my life in ways you will never know and your legacy lives on in every student you’ve ever shared a room with.

Rest in peace amigo. I love you
Finnerty