Born on July 26, 1959, in South Orange, New Jersey, Spacey grew up in a challenging family environment, marked by a tumultuous relationship with an abusive father. Despite these hardships, he found solace in acting, eventually attending Juilliard and making his Broadway debut in the early 1980s. His career took off in the 1990s, characterized by standout performances and critical acclaim, culminating in two Academy Awards.