Biography
Who is Kevin Costner?
Early life and education
Kevin Michael Costner was born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California, and grew up in Compton, California. His father William worked as an electrician and a utilities executive, while his mother Sharon served as a welfare worker. Because of his father's career progression, Kevin spent his teenage years living in different parts of California, including Ventura and Visalia. He attended Mt. Whitney High School and later graduated from Villa Park High School in 1973. During his school years, he played sports, took piano lessons, wrote poetry, and sang in the choir.
After finishing high school, Kevin attended California State University, Fullerton, where he played baseball and joined the Delta Chi fraternity. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the institution in 1978. While returning from his honeymoon that same year, Kevin had a chance encounter with actor Richard Burton on an airplane. He asked Burton for advice on pursuing an acting career, and Burton encouraged him to follow that path. Kevin credits this meeting with inspiring him to take up acting.
Rise to prominence
Kevin Costner made his film debut in Sizzle Beach, U.S.A. In 1981 and appeared in the Ron Howard film Night Shift the following year. He secured a breakout role in the western film Silverado in 1985 after developing a friendship with director Lawrence Kasdan. His career shifted into high gear in 1987 when he starred as federal agent Eliot Ness in The Untouchables and took the leading role in the thriller No Way Out. He quickly secured his status as a major movie star by appearing in the baseball-themed hits Bull Durham in 1988 and Field of Dreams in 1989.
In 1990, Kevin partnered with producer Jim Wilson to form the production company Tig Productions. Their first project was the epic western film Dances With Wolves, which Kevin directed and starred in. The film achieved big critical and commercial success, earning twelve Academy Award nominations and winning seven trophies, including two personal awards for Kevin for Best Picture and Best Director.
Career highlights and films
Following his directorial success, Kevin Costner continued to star in prominent feature films throughout the 1990s and beyond. He portrayed Robin Hood in the adventure film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and played District Attorney Jim Garrison in the political thriller JFK, both released in 1991. The following year, he starred opposite Whitney Houston in the romantic drama The Bodyguard, which became a big pop-culture sensation and financial success at the box office.
Later in his career, Kevin took on diverse roles in both film and television. He portrayed rancher John Dutton on the drama series Yellowstone from 2018 to 2024, earning a Golden Globe Award for his performance in 2023. His extensive filmography also features well-known titles such as Waterworld, Open Range, Hidden Figures, McFarland, USA, and Let Him Go.
Personal life and family
Kevin Costner has been married and divorced multiple times throughout his life. His past spouses include Cindy Costner and Christine Baumgartner. He is also a father with multiple children, including Joe Costner, Lily Costner, and Annie Costner. Aside from his work in film and television, Kevin has pursued interests in music, performing as a country music artist.
Birthday and age
Kevin Costner was born on January 18, 1955, which makes Kevin 71 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Kevin shares the date with 47 other famous people.
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