Kevin Spacey returns to TV after 'House of Cards'
What's the story
Kevin Spacey, the two-time Oscar-winning actor, is returning to television after a long hiatus. His last small-screen appearance was in Netflix's House of Cards in 2017, which ended amid sexual misconduct allegations against him. Now, he will star in an Italian comedy series titled Minimarket on Italy's state broadcaster RAI. The show will premiere on RAI's RaiPlay streaming service on December 26.
Role details
'Minimarket' features Spacey as a mentor
In the low-budget series, Spacey plays an imaginary mentor to a young man working in a convenience store who aspires to be a TV star. The character's relationship with Spacey is described as one based on "bickering, misunderstandings and mutual teasing." The show reportedly explores both "the experience of a man who has been on the world's most important sets" and "the recklessness of someone who doesn't realize that they've an Oscar-winner by their side."
Legal challenges
Spacey's recent legal troubles and career revival efforts
Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges by four men in a UK criminal trial in 2023, is now facing three more sexual assault claims. These will be heard in a London civil court next year. Despite these ongoing legal issues, he has been trying to revive his career. He recently revealed that he is currently homeless and living in hotels or Airbnbs due to the financial impact of the allegations against him.
Career moves
Spacey's international projects post-allegations
Spacey has been working on various international projects since the allegations surfaced. In 2021, he returned to acting with a role as a police detective in Italian actor/director Franco Nero's indie drama L'uomo Che Disegno Dio (The Man Who Drew God). He also starred in Massimo Paolucci's psychological thriller The Contract as a character named "The Devil." He appeared in the US indie thriller Peter Five Eight, marking his first leading role since being cleared in the 2023 London trial.