How Kevin Costner Got Into Acting
Kevin Costner, a name synonymous with some of the most iconic films of the 1980s and 1990s, has built a career defined by versatility, charm, and an ability to embody the everyman hero. From Dances with Wolves to The Bodyguard and Field of Dreams, Costner has become one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. But how did the actor, director, and producer get his start?
Early Life and Inspirations
Kevin Michael Costner was born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California, to a humble working-class family. His father, William Costner, was a soil scientist, while his mother, Sharon Costner, was a welfare worker. Growing up in Compton and then transitioning to the quieter town of Villa Park, Costner had a love for sports and the outdoors but didn’t show much interest in acting early on.
In fact, Costner was more inclined toward athletics than performing arts during his high school years. He was a talented student-athlete, excelling in track and field, and it wasn’t until later in life that he began to discover his passion for the stage. “I wasn’t really focused on acting when I was young. Sports were my thing, and that’s what I thought I would pursue,” Costner reflects. “But something about the idea of acting just spoke to me in a way that I couldn’t ignore.”
His early fascination with acting was sparked by a love of film. A formative moment came when he watched Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), where he first saw how storytelling could captivate an audience. “I saw Paul Newman in that movie, and it clicked for me. I thought, ‘I want to do that.’ There was something magical about how they told stories on screen.”
The College Years and Moving Toward Acting
After high school, Costner attended California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a degree in marketing and finance. It was here that he began to find his passion for acting, joining a local theater group. Despite a focus on business, Costner became more and more interested in the craft of performance, often spending his free time working on theater productions.
“I wasn’t sure how to make a career out of it, but I knew I had to try,” Costner remembers. “Theatre allowed me to express myself in a way that I had never experienced before, and I started to see that acting could be something I could truly commit to.”
After college, Costner moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream. The road was not easy. Like many actors, he spent years in small, uncredited roles in television shows and films, often struggling to make ends meet. His early career was a mix of random jobs, auditions, and acting classes—striving to find his place in a competitive industry.
Breakthrough Role: The Untouchables
Costner’s breakthrough came in 1987 with the role of Eliot Ness in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables. Although Costner wasn’t yet a household name, his portrayal of the determined lawman was met with praise and set the stage for future roles in both action and drama. “I remember how intense that role was,” Costner says of The Untouchables. “It was my first major role where I got to really dig into a character. I didn’t know how much of an impact it would have, but I gave it everything I had.”
The success of The Untouchables helped to launch Costner into stardom, and it wasn’t long before he was landing leading roles in major films. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Costner was starring in hits like No Way Out (1987), Field of Dreams (1989), and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). These films solidified his position as one of Hollywood’s most bankable and beloved leading men.
The Pinnacle of Success: Dances with Wolves
In 1990, Costner made the decision to direct his own film, Dances with Wolves, a Western epic that would go on to become one of the most successful films of the 1990s. Not only did Costner star in the film, but he also directed and produced it. The film earned multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying Costner’s reputation as both an actor and filmmaker.
“I always wanted to create something that was meaningful, not just to me but to others,” Costner says about the making of Dances with Wolves. “Directing that film was a huge leap of faith, but I felt the story had something powerful to say. I just wanted to give it everything I had.”
The film’s success marked a turning point in Costner’s career. He had gone from being a talented actor to a powerhouse filmmaker, and the Oscars proved that his talents were not confined to one area. For Costner, it wasn’t just about making a great film—it was about telling a story that would resonate with people for generations to come.
Transitioning into Iconic Roles and Personal Projects
Following Dances with Wolves, Costner continued to take on diverse roles in a variety of genres. Films like The Bodyguard (1992), where he starred alongside Whitney Houston, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), and Waterworld (1995) solidified his status as a major Hollywood star, even during the inevitable ups and downs of the industry.
Despite his success, Costner has always remained grounded. “I’ve always felt that acting is about connecting with people—making them feel something,” he explains. “If you can do that, you’ve succeeded. It’s not about being famous; it’s about being true to the character and the story.”
As his career has continued into the 21st century, Costner has transitioned into roles that reflect his maturity as an actor, with standout performances in Hatfields & McCoys (2012) and his current role in the hit series Yellowstone (2018–present). “I’ve been lucky enough to keep finding roles that interest me and allow me to challenge myself as an actor,” Costner says.
A Legacy of Versatility
Kevin Costner’s journey to acting was one marked by determination, passion, and a deep love for storytelling. From his early years as an unknown actor in Los Angeles to his Oscar-winning role as a director, Costner has proven that versatility and a commitment to authenticity are key to success in the entertainment industry.
Looking back on his career, Costner sums it up with one simple sentiment: “It’s been a long road, but I never stopped trying. I’ve been able to create some great work, and that’s all I ever wanted to do.”
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.