Is it possible for a life, lived largely away from the public eye, to leave an indelible mark? For Shannon Butcher, later known as Shannon Perris Knight, the answer is a resounding yes, even as her life intersected with the world of Hollywood through her marriage to actor Kevin Gage.
Born Shannon Butcher on June 29, 1972, in Santa Barbara, California, she lived a life characterized by a strong sense of privacy. This quiet existence, however, became entwined with the more public world of her husband, Kevin Gage, a character actor known for his memorable roles, most notably as the ruthless Waingro in the 1995 crime film "Heat." Their connection blossomed in 2005, culminating in a wedding on a Santa Barbara beach in the spring of 2006. This union, and the subsequent birth of their son, Ryder Jay Gage, in January 2007, formed the core of her world.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shannon Butcher, later known as Shannon Perris Knight |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Barbara, California, United States |
| Known for | Private life, marriage to actor Kevin Gage. |
| Marriage | Married to Kevin Gage in 2006 |
| Children | Ryder Jay Gage (born January 2007) |
| Cause of Death | Inoperable brain cancer |
| Date of Death | July 2014 |
| Husband's Career | Actor, known for "Heat," "G.I. Jane," etc. |
| Significant Life Events | Private life in Santa Barbara; diagnosis of brain cancer in 2008; passing in July 2014. Her husband took time off work to care for her and their son. |
| Reference | Kevin Gage's IMDb page (for context on husband's career) |
Kevin Gage, whose birth name was Kevin Franklin Gaede, was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin, a world away from the California sunshine that would later define his family life. He was a physically active youth, spending time on his grandparents' dairy farm and excelling in school sports. His passion for outdoor activities, including fishing, reflects the active lifestyle that would later be contrasted by the more demanding profession of acting.
The couple's life together was deeply rooted in Santa Barbara. They built a life centered around family, outdoor activities, and a shared appreciation for privacy. The tranquility of their world was disrupted in late 2008 when Perris received a diagnosis of inoperable brain cancer. This devastating news became the pivotal moment, transforming Kevin's focus entirely. He dedicated himself to caring for his wife and son, leaning on the support of Perriss parents. This period underscores the profound love and commitment at the heart of their family.
Before his marriage to Perris, Kevin Gage had a brief, high-profile relationship with actress Kelly Preston, marrying in 1985 and divorcing in 1987. This was a chapter in his life distinct from the deep connection he forged with Shannon. Their time together was relatively short compared to the length of his marriage to Perris.
The marriage to Shannon Perris Knight began in 2006, following a year of dating. They chose Santa Barbara as the place to exchange vows, a beachside ceremony marking the beginning of a family-focused life. In January 2007, their son, Ryder Jay Gage, was born, completing their family circle. The couples life together, though tragically shortened, was clearly defined by their dedication to each other and to their son.
Kevin Gage's website mentions that he took a five-year break from his acting career, from 2007 to 2012, to focus on raising his son. This commitment exemplifies the change in priorities that took place after Ryder's birth, highlighting the dedication to family that characterized this period of their lives.
Sadly, Perris Knight Gages life was cut short when she passed away in July 2014, succumbing to the cancer she had fought for years. Her passing, which occurred in the Santa Barbara house where she was born, left a void in the lives of her son, Ryder, and all those who loved her. The memories of a life lived in the warmth of family, the backdrop of Santa Barbara, and a deep love for privacy remain.
The narratives of Kevin Gage's acting career and Shannon Perris Knight's private life intersected in a compelling story of love, family, and resilience. While Kevin Gage found success in Hollywood, Shannons life remained anchored in the shared experiences of their family, in their chosen sanctuary of Santa Barbara. Her legacy isn't defined by public recognition but by the love and dedication she gave to her family, leaving a mark in the heart of her son, and in the memories of those who knew her.
Kevin Gage's acting career, on the other hand, is etched in the public sphere. He has a long list of credits in the entertainment industry and known for playing the role of Waingro, a cold-blooded criminal, in Michael Mann's "Heat" (1995). His performance in the film solidified his presence in the industry, playing the role of a complex and formidable character.
The filmography of Kevin Gage reveals a career that extends beyond "Heat." He played Max Pyro in the military film "G.I. Jane" and Detective Mike Gage. Other notable roles of Kevin Gage include the film "Con Air" (1997) where he was punched in the face by Nicolas Cage, the film "Point Blank" (1998). This illustrates his contributions to various genres and his sustained presence in Hollywood.
The timeline of their relationship, as recounted by sources, highlights a love story shaped by both joy and sorrow. The wedding in 2006 on a Santa Barbara beach, the birth of Ryder in 2007, and the subsequent cancer diagnosis in 2008, all portray the reality of their life together. The difficult period of Perriss illness, and the way her husband dedicated himself to their care, provides context for their enduring love.
The passing of Shannon Butcher aka Perris Knight Gage in July 2014 marks the end of a story that was deeply personal, yet resonant. Her life, largely shielded from the media, demonstrates how powerfully a life dedicated to family, privacy, and the shared bonds of love can endure. Even as the world remembers the characters Kevin Gage played, the memory of Shannon Perris Knight, and the life she created, remains.
