If you have watched the 2011 comedy film Zookeeper, you might have wondered if Leslie Bibb, who played Stephanie, the love interest of Kevin James, who played Griffin Keyes, the lead zookeeper, is related to him in real life. After all, they share the same last name and have some resemblance. Well, the answer is no. They are not related by blood or marriage. Here are some facts to prove it.
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Leslie Bibb’s Family Background
Leslie Bibb was born on November 17, 1974, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Betty Blakemore Sulzbach and Walter Bibb III. She has three older sisters: Christa, Tricia, and Bev. Her father died when she was three years old, and her mother moved the family to Richmond, Virginia. Leslie attended St. Gertrude High School, an all-girls Catholic school, and later studied at the University of Virginia for one semester before pursuing a modeling career.
Kevin James’ Family Background
Kevin James was born on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York, to Janet and Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr. He has two siblings: Gary Valentine (born Gary Joseph Knipfing), who is also a comedian and actor, and Leslie Knipfing, who works as a charity fundraiser. Kevin attended Ward Melville High School and later studied at the State University of New York at Cortland, where he played football. He started his career as a stand-up comedian and later became famous for his roles in The King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Grown Ups.
How Leslie Bibb and Kevin James Met
Leslie Bibb and Kevin James met on the set of Zookeeper, a film directed by Frank Coraci and produced by Adam Sandler. The film is about a group of zoo animals who decide to help their lovable zookeeper find love without leaving his job. Leslie played Stephanie, Griffin’s ex-girlfriend who rejected his proposal because of his career choice. Kevin played Griffin, who tries to win her back with the help of the animals.
The film also starred Rosario Dawson as Kate, the zoo’s veterinarian; Ken Jeong as Venom, a worker at the reptile house; Donnie Wahlberg as Shane, Griffin’s rival; Joe Rogan as Gale, Stephanie’s ex; and Nat Faxon as Dave, Griffin’s brother. The film also featured the voices of Cher, Nick Nolte, Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Judd Apatow, Jim Breuer, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Richie Minervini, Maya Rudolph, and Bas Rutten as various animals.
The film was released on July 8, 2011, and received mostly negative reviews from critics but earned $169.8 million on an $80 million budget.
Leslie Bibb’s Relationship Status
Leslie Bibb is currently in a relationship with Sam Rockwell, an Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in Moon, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Jojo Rabbit, and Fosse/Verdon. They have been dating since 2007 and have appeared together in several films and events. They live in Los Angeles with their two dogs.
Kevin James’ Relationship Status
Kevin James is married to Steffiana de la Cruz (born Stephanie Anna Marie Zantua), a model and actress who appeared in several of his films and shows. They tied the knot on June 19, 2004, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Dana Point, California. They have four children: Sienna-Marie (born September 30, 2005), Shea Joelle (born June 14, 2007), Kannon Valentine (born April 24, 2011), and Sistine Sabella (born January 18, 2015). They live in Delray Beach, Florida.
Conclusion
Leslie Bibb and Kevin James are not related to each other in any way. They are just co-stars who worked together in one film. They have different family backgrounds and relationship statuses. They are both successful actors who have their own careers and lives.
