Kevin Michael Costner is an American actor, producer, and director born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California.
He rose to fame with roles in films like The Untouchables, Bull Durham, Field of Dreams and Dances with Wolves, for which he won two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director.
Costner has also starred in other notable films such as The Bodyguard and JFK. More recently, he has gained recognition for his role in the TV series Yellowstone.
Throughout his career, Costner has received numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in Hatfields & McCoys.
Parents
Kevin’s parents were William Costner and Sharon Rae.
His father, William, was an electrician and later a utilities executive at Southern California Edison, while his mother, Sharon, was a welfare worker.
Kevin has spoken highly of his parents and even featured them as background actors in some of his films.
His family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father’s job, which affected his confidence but also shaped his early life experiences.
Kevin’s parents have passed away, and he often reflects on their influence and support throughout his career.
Career
Costner began gaining recognition in the late 1980s with roles in The Untouchables (1987), where he played Eliot Ness, and Bull Durham (1988), a romantic comedy that showcased his ability to balance humor and drama.
His portrayal of Ray Kinsella in Field of Dreams (1989) further solidified his position as a leading actor.
Costner’s most notable achievement came with Dances with Wolves (1990), a historical epic that he directed and starred in.
The film earned him two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, cementing his status as a talented filmmaker.
Following this success, he continued to take on diverse roles, including The Bodyguard (1992), where he starred alongside Whitney Houston, and JFK (1991), a political thriller that explored the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
In addition to his film work, Costner has ventured into television, winning an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Devil Anse Hatfield in the miniseries Hatfields & McCoys (2012).
More recently, he has starred in the popular TV series Yellowstone (2018–2023), playing the role of John Dutton, a rancher navigating the complexities of family and power.
Throughout his career, Costner has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations.
His production company, Tig Productions, has been instrumental in producing several of his films, allowing him to maintain creative control over his projects.