Kevin Costner

Cast · Director · Writer

Born

January 18, 1955 · Lynwood, California, USA

Birth name

Kevin Michael Costner

“I work for the public, for the people who are paying to go to the cinema, rather than for the critics.” Kevin Costner is an American actor and director known for his roles as rugged yet sensitive characters. He gained fame with films like The Untouchables (1987), Bull Durham (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), and The Bodyguard (1992) alongside Withney Houston. He is best known for Dances with Wolves (1990), which earned him Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director. Costner's career began after graduating from California State University, Fullerton, and studying acting following an encounter with actor Richard Burton. Although his scenes were cut from The Big Chill (1983), director Lawrence Kasdan cast him in Silverado (1985), leading to starring roles in The Untouchables and No Way Out (1987). In the 1990s, he starred in notable films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), JFK (1991), and Waterworld (1995). He also directed Open Range (2003). His TV work includes Hatfields & McCoys (2012), for which he won an Emmy and Golden Globe, and Yellowstone (2018– ), which won him a Golden Globe Award in 2023. Costner returned to films with Man of Steel (2013), Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014), and McFarland, USA (2015). He portrayed diverse roles in Criminal (2016), Hidden Figures (2016), and Molly’s Game (2017). In 2024, he released Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, investing $38 million in the project. He also announced his departure from Yellowstone.