Sean Kanan

Sean Kanan is an Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, author, and motivational speaker known for prominent roles in television and film, as well as his advocacy work. After being cast as Mike Barnes in ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ in 1989 following an open call by Oscar-winning director John Avildsen, Sean Kanan established himself as a recognizable figure in cinema. He transitioned to television, taking on the role of A.J. Quartermaine on ‘General Hospital’ from 1993 to 1997, where his portrayal earned him a nomination for Outstanding Newcomer by Soap Opera Digest in 1994.

Kanan continued his presence in daytime television as Jude Cavanaugh on ‘Sunset Beach’ in 1999 before joining ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ as Deacon Sharpe in 2000, a character he played until 2005, evolving into a central figure in continuous storylines. Kanan’s career progressed with a balance of acting, writing, and producing. He hosted the Miss World Pageant in London in 2002 and wrote and executive-produced the film ‘Chasing Holden’ in 2003. In 2006, he competed in ‘Ballando con le Stelle,’ the Italian version of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ He reprised his role as Deacon Sharpe on ‘The Young and the Restless’ from 2009 to 2012 and authored The Modern Gentleman; Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan in 2011.

He serves as an Ambassador for Boo 2 Bullying, actively supporting anti-bullying initiatives, and contributes to charities including the American Cancer Society and Project Angel Food. He has also participated in tours with the USO, entertaining troops in Bosnia. In 2024, Kanan co-authored Way of the COBRA Couples and was appointed Showrunner and Executive Producer of the upcoming series Un$uited. Looking ahead, he is embarking on a new business venture, Bad Boy Eats, slated for launch in February 2025.