The King of Queens is an American sitcom that originally aired from 1998 to 2007 on CBS. The series revolves around Doug Heffernan, a working-class man, and his wife Carrie, whose lives are complicated by the presence of Doug’s father-in-law, Arthur Spooner, who lives with them. The show quickly became a fan favorite due to its lovable characters, relatable humor, and the strong performances from its cast.
Let’s take a look at the main cast of The King of Queens, their ages, and some fun trivia about the show.
Main Cast
- Kevin James as Doug Heffernan
Age: 59 (Born April 26, 1965)
Character: Doug Heffernan is the lovable but often clueless protagonist of the show. He works as a delivery driver for a shipping company and spends his days navigating the ups and downs of married life with his wife, Carrie, while also dealing with his eccentric father-in-law, Arthur. Kevin James brought warmth and humor to this role, making Doug a highly relatable character for many viewers.
Trivia: Kevin James is also known for starring in films like Hitch, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Grown Ups. He has also worked as a producer and writer for several of his projects.
- Leah Remini as Carrie Heffernan
Age: 54 (Born June 15, 1970)
Character: Carrie Heffernan, Doug’s wife, is intelligent, sassy, and often the more level-headed person in their relationship. As a legal secretary, she is the breadwinner in the family, while Doug takes on a more relaxed, fun-loving role. Leah Remini’s portrayal of Carrie was both strong and comedic, making her one of the most memorable female characters in sitcom history.
Trivia: Leah Remini is also well-known for her role in Saved by the Bell and for her work on Scientology and the Aftermath, a docuseries she created about her experience with Scientology.
- Jerry Stiller as Arthur Spooner
Age: (May 8, 1927 – May 11, 2020)
Character: Arthur Spooner, Carrie’s quirky father, is one of the standout characters of the show. His overbearing nature and eccentric behavior often create chaotic and hilarious situations for Doug and Carrie. Jerry Stiller’s comedic timing and delivery made Arthur a beloved character, earning him recognition as one of TV’s funniest fathers-in-law.
Trivia: Jerry Stiller was also famous for his role as Frank Costanza on Seinfeld, another iconic sitcom. He had a long career in comedy, often collaborating with his wife, Anne Meara.
- Victor Williams as Deacon Palmer
Age: 55 (Born September 19, 1969)
Character: Deacon Palmer is Doug’s best friend and a supportive, often sarcastic, companion. Deacon is a married man with children, which sometimes creates humorous contrasts between him and Doug’s more carefree life. Victor Williams’ portrayal of Deacon was a great complement to Kevin James’ Doug, offering grounded, yet hilarious perspectives on their friendships and family lives.
Trivia: In addition to his role in The King of Queens, Victor Williams has appeared in several TV shows like The Affair and The Good Wife.
- Gary Valentine as Cousin Danny
Age: 55 (Born November 22, 1969)
Character: Danny Heffernan is Doug’s goofy cousin, known for his outlandish and often ridiculous behavior. He is always getting into trouble, adding a comedic edge to the show’s family dynamic. Gary Valentine, who is Kevin James’ real-life brother, brought a charming and quirky energy to the role of Danny.
Trivia: Gary Valentine is also a writer and producer, contributing to several of his brother’s projects, including Kevin Can Wait, which was another sitcom starring Kevin James.
Fun Facts About The King of Queens
- Real-Life Chemistry: Kevin James and Leah Remini, who played husband and wife Doug and Carrie, have a strong friendship in real life. Their onscreen chemistry was so authentic that many fans believed they were a married couple outside of the show.
- Arthur’s Entrance: Jerry Stiller’s character, Arthur, was originally not planned to be a regular on the show. However, his comedic brilliance made him so popular that the writers made him a main character.
- The Heffernans’ House: The exterior shots of Doug and Carrie’s house were filmed in a neighborhood in Long Island, New York. However, the interior of the house was a set built in a studio in California.
- Spin-Off Potential: After The King of Queens ended in 2007, there was talk of creating a spin-off featuring Doug and Carrie’s life after marriage, but it never came to fruition.
- Catchphrase: The show became known for Doug Heffernan’s comical love for food, particularly his obsession with junk food and his signature phrase “What’s up, b**?”
The King of Queens remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of the late 90s and early 2000s. Its witty humor, relatable characters, and unforgettable moments have solidified its place in TV history. The talented cast, including Kevin James, Leah Remini, Jerry Stiller, and the rest, delivered memorable performances that continue to bring laughter to audiences, even years after the show ended. Whether you’re revisiting the series for the first time or rediscovering old favorites, The King of Queens stands the test of time as a classic family sitcom.