Quick Facts About Janet Knipfing
- Full Name: Janet Knipfing (née Klein)
- Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City
- Known For: Mother of Kevin James
- Children: Kevin James, Gary Valentine, Leslie Knipfing
- Husband: Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr.
Who Is Janet Knipfing?
Janet Knipfing (née Klein) is best known as the mother of comedian and actor Kevin James, whose real name is Kevin George Knipfing. She’s also the mother of actor and comedian Gary Valentine and daughter Leslie Knipfing. While her sons went on to build high-profile careers in Hollywood, Janet herself has remained a private figure throughout their rise to fame.
Born in Manhattan, New York City, Janet grew up in a German-American family with strong roots in the New York metro area. She married Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr., and together they raised their three children on Long Island. The Knipfing household would eventually produce two of the most recognizable names in American sitcom comedy — and the family’s close bond has stayed visible even through decades in the spotlight.
Early Life in Manhattan
Janet was born Janet Klein in Manhattan. Her family later relocated to Mineola, a village in Nassau County on Long Island, where she spent much of her upbringing. The move from the city to Long Island was common for families in mid-century New York looking for more space while staying close to the metropolitan area.
Details about Janet’s education and early career aren’t part of the public record. She’s never sought attention on her own, and what’s known about her comes largely through interviews and references from her famous sons. What is clear is that she grew up in a tight-knit household that valued family above most things — a quality she’d pass on to her own children.
The Knipfing Family
Janet married Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr., who ran his own business on Long Island. The couple settled into life in the Stony Brook area and raised three kids: Gary, Kevin, and Leslie. The family was Catholic and of German-American descent, and their neighborhood roots on Long Island defined much of the culture their children grew up in.
Joseph and Janet’s household was, by most accounts, a warm and grounded one. Both Gary and Kevin have spoken in interviews about growing up in a supportive home where humor was always part of daily life. That environment clearly left its mark — two of the three Knipfing children went on to build entire careers around making people laugh.
Her Son Kevin James
Kevin George Knipfing — known professionally as Kevin James — was born on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York. He’s the middle child in the family and by far the most publicly recognized of Janet’s three children.
Kevin started in stand-up comedy in the late 1980s and early 1990s, performing on the New York club circuit before landing appearances on late-night talk shows. His big break came in 1998 when CBS picked up The King of Queens, a sitcom built around his persona. Kevin starred as Doug Heffernan, a lovable delivery driver living in Queens with his wife (played by Leah Remini) and her father (Jerry Stiller). The show ran for nine seasons and 207 episodes, making Kevin a household name.
After The King of Queens ended in 2007, Kevin moved into film. He starred in Hitch alongside Will Smith, headlined the Paul Blart: Mall Cop franchise, and appeared in multiple Adam Sandler comedies including Grown Ups, Grown Ups 2, and Here Comes the Boom. He also received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series during the show’s run.
Kevin has four children — Sienna-Marie, Shea Joelle James, Kannon Valentine, and Sistine Sabella — making Janet a grandmother several times over.
Her Son Gary Valentine
Gary Valentine (born Gary Joseph Knipfing on November 22, 1961) is Janet’s eldest child. Like Kevin, Gary found his way into comedy and acting, though his path took a somewhat different shape.
Gary built a solid career as a stand-up comedian, performing at major venues including the Montreal Comedy Festival. He’s also worked as a writer and actor across several TV and film projects. His most notable role was on The King of Queens, where he played Danny Heffernan — Kevin’s on-screen cousin. The casting let the real-life brothers share the screen regularly, and their natural chemistry was obvious to viewers throughout the show’s run.
Beyond The King of Queens, Gary has appeared in films like Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Home Team. He’s also done voice work and guest spots across various television shows. While he hasn’t reached the same level of mainstream fame as Kevin, Gary’s been a steady working comedian and actor for more than three decades.
Her Daughter Leslie Knipfing
Leslie Knipfing is Janet’s daughter and the least publicly visible of the three siblings. Unlike her brothers, Leslie hasn’t pursued a career in entertainment. She’s known for her charitable work, particularly through the Kevin James-funded organizations that support various causes.
Leslie has stayed mostly out of the spotlight, which appears to be her preference. She lives a private life, though she’s been seen at occasional family events and has been mentioned in interviews by both Kevin and Gary. Her low profile is consistent with the Knipfing family’s general approach — despite the fame Kevin and Gary have earned, the family as a whole doesn’t court public attention.
Personal Life and Legacy
Janet Knipfing has never been someone who chases the spotlight. She doesn’t maintain any known social media presence, rarely appears at public events, and hasn’t given interviews about her own life. Everything publicly known about her has come through her children’s careers and the occasional family reference.
What stands out about Janet’s story is how grounded the Knipfing family has remained despite decades of Hollywood exposure. Kevin and Gary both speak about their family with genuine warmth, and they’ve continued to collaborate professionally — a rarity in an industry where family relationships often strain under public pressure.
Janet’s role as the matriarch of this family isn’t defined by red carpets or press tours. It’s defined by the household she built with Joseph on Long Island, the values she instilled in her children, and the close family unit that’s held together through fame, fortune, and everything that comes with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Janet Knipfing?
Janet Knipfing (née Klein) is the mother of comedian and actor Kevin James, actor Gary Valentine, and Leslie Knipfing. She was born in Manhattan, New York City, and raised her family on Long Island.
How many children does Janet Knipfing have?
Janet has three children: Gary Valentine (born 1961), Kevin James (born 1965), and Leslie Knipfing.
Who is Janet Knipfing’s husband?
Janet’s husband is Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr., a Long Island business owner.
Is Janet Knipfing related to Gary Valentine?
Yes. Gary Valentine (real name Gary Joseph Knipfing) is Janet’s eldest son. He’s the older brother of Kevin James.
Where is Janet Knipfing from?
Janet was born in Manhattan, New York City, and later grew up in Mineola on Long Island.
Related Profiles
- Gary Valentine — Kevin James’s older brother and fellow comedian
- Leslie Knipfing — Kevin James’s sister
- Shea Joelle James — Kevin James’s daughter and Janet’s granddaughter
