Kevin Costner
Early Life and Education
Kevin Michael Costner was born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California, and grew up in Compton, California. He was the youngest of three boys, although his middle brother died at birth. His mother, Sharon Rae (née Tedrick), was a welfare worker, and his father, William Costner, was an electrician and later a utilities executive at Southern California Edison. Costner's family moved frequently due to his father's career, which exposed him to various environments and cultures during his formative years. This transient lifestyle contributed to his adaptability and understanding of diverse perspectives, which later influenced his acting career.
Costner attended Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, California, and later transferred to Villa Park High School in Orange County, where he graduated in 1973. He went on to study at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing and finance in 1978. During his college years, Costner developed an interest in acting and took acting classes, which set the foundation for his future career in the entertainment industry.
Career Beginnings
After graduating from college, Costner worked in marketing, but his passion for acting led him to pursue a career in Hollywood. He took acting classes and worked various jobs to support himself, including as a truck driver and a tour guide at the home of the stars. His first film role was in the 1981 film "Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.," although it was not released until 1986. Costner's early career was marked by small roles in films such as "Night Shift" (1982) and "Frances" (1982).
Costner's breakthrough came with the film "The Big Chill" (1983), although his scenes were ultimately cut from the final version. Despite this setback, the film's director, Lawrence Kasdan, remembered Costner and cast him in a leading role in his next project, "Silverado" (1985). This Western film was a commercial success and helped establish Costner as a rising star in Hollywood.
Rise to Fame
Costner's career gained significant momentum in the late 1980s and early 1990s with a series of successful films. In 1987, he starred in "The Untouchables," directed by Brian De Palma, where he played Eliot Ness, a federal agent tasked with bringing down Al Capone. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Costner widespread recognition.
In 1988, Costner starred in "Bull Durham," a romantic comedy set in the world of minor league baseball. His portrayal of the seasoned catcher "Crash" Davis was praised for its authenticity and charm. The following year, Costner starred in "Field of Dreams," a fantasy-drama film that became an iconic piece of American cinema. His role as Ray Kinsella, a farmer who builds a baseball field in his cornfield, resonated with audiences and solidified his status as a leading man.
Directorial Debut and Continued Success
In 1990, Costner made his directorial debut with "Dances with Wolves," a film in which he also starred. The film, based on the novel by Michael Blake, tells the story of a Union Army lieutenant who befriends a group of Lakota Sioux Indians. "Dances with Wolves" was a critical and commercial success, earning twelve Academy Award nominations and winning seven, including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner. The film's success established Costner as a prominent filmmaker and actor.
Following the success of "Dances with Wolves," Costner continued to star in high-profile films throughout the 1990s. He played the titular role in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" (1991), which was a box office hit despite mixed reviews. In 1992, he starred in "The Bodyguard" alongside Whitney Houston, a romantic thriller that became one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Challenges and Resurgence
The late 1990s and early 2000s presented challenges for Costner, as several of his films did not perform well at the box office. Notably, "Waterworld" (1995) and "The Postman" (1997) were both commercial disappointments, with "Waterworld" being one of the most expensive films ever made at the time. Despite these setbacks, Costner continued to work in the industry, taking on diverse roles in films such as "Tin Cup" (1996) and "Message in a Bottle" (1999).
Costner experienced a career resurgence in the 2000s with roles in films such as "Open Range" (2003), a Western that he directed and starred in, and "The Guardian" (2006), an action-drama about the U.S. Coast Guard. He also appeared in "Mr. Brooks" (2007), a psychological thriller that showcased his versatility as an actor.
Recent Work and Legacy
In recent years, Costner has continued to work in both film and television. He starred in the critically acclaimed miniseries "Hatfields & McCoys" (2012), for which he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. In 2018, he began starring in the television series "Yellowstone," a modern Western drama that has been well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Costner's contributions to the film industry have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He has received two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, among others. His work as an actor, director, and producer has left a lasting impact on Hollywood, and his films continue to be celebrated for their storytelling and cinematic quality.
Personal Life
Kevin Costner has been married twice. He married his first wife, Cindy Silva, in 1978, and the couple had three children together before divorcing in 1994. In 2004, Costner married Christine Baumgartner, a model and handbag designer, with whom he has three children. Costner is known for his love of music and has performed with his band, Kevin Costner & Modern West, since 2007.
Costner is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, including environmental conservation and humanitarian work. He has supported organizations such as the Ocean Therapy Solutions, which focuses on cleaning up oil spills, and the Motion Picture & Television Fund, which provides assistance to industry professionals in need.