Early Life and Education of Kevin Costner: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Kevin Costner. A timeline of key moments.

Kevin Costner is a highly acclaimed American actor and filmmaker recognized with numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. His career spans both acting and directing, cementing his status as a significant figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1975: Beginning of Relationship with Cindy Silva

In 1975, Kevin Costner began dating Cindy Silva, a fellow student, while in college.

1984: Birth of First Daughter

In 1984, Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva welcomed their first daughter.

1986: Birth of Second Daughter

In 1986, Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva welcomed their second daughter.

1988: Birth of Son with Cindy Silva

In 1988, Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva had a son.

1991: Opening of Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant

In 1991, Kevin Costner opened the Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant in Deadwood, South Dakota.

1992: Switch in Political Affiliation

Since 1992, Kevin Costner has financially supported a variety of Democratic politicians, including Al Gore and Tom Daschle.

1994: Divorce from Cindy Silva

In 1994, Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva divorced after 16 years of marriage, reportedly due to an affair. Cindy Silva received a settlement of US$80 million.

1994: Commission of Tatanka Bison Sculpture

In 1994, Kevin Costner commissioned Hill City artist Peggy Detmers to create a bronze sculpture depicting a buffalo jump, which would eventually become the centerpiece of his Tatanka: The Story of the Bison attraction.

1995: Contribution to Republican Phil Gramm

As late as 1995, Kevin Costner made contributions to Republican Phil Gramm, despite having switched his affiliation in the early 1990s.

1995: Purchase of Oil Separation Machine Company

In 1995, Kevin Costner acquired a company involved in developing oil separation machines based on a patent he bought from the US government.

June 6, 2004: Opening of Tatanka: The Story of the Bison

On June 6, 2004, Kevin Costner opened Tatanka: The Story of the Bison, an attraction near Deadwood, South Dakota, intended to educate visitors about America's westward expansion and the relationship between Plains Indians and bison.

July 2004: Termination of Midnight Star Managers

In July 2004, Kevin Costner terminated the employment of Francis and Carla Caneva, managers of his Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant.

September 25, 2004: Marriage to Christine Baumgartner

On September 25, 2004, Kevin Costner married Christine Baumgartner, a model and handbag designer, at his ranch in Aspen, Colorado.

February 25, 2007: Grand Marshal of NASCAR Auto Club 500

On February 25, 2007, Kevin Costner was named the ceremonial Grand Marshal of the NASCAR Cup Series' Auto Club 500 at the California Speedway.

2007: Birth of Son with Christine Baumgartner

In 2007, Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner had a son.

2008: Campaigning for Barack Obama

In 2008, Kevin Costner campaigned for Barack Obama in Colorado, encouraging young voters to participate in the election.

2009: Birth of Second Son with Christine Baumgartner

In 2009, Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner had a second son.

May 2010: BP Tests Costner's Oil Separation Machines

In late May 2010, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, BP began testing six oil separation machines from Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company in which Kevin Costner held an interest.

June 16, 2010: BP Leases Oil-Water Separation Devices

On June 16, 2010, BP entered into a lease agreement with Ocean Therapy Solutions for 32 of their oil-water separation devices.

2010: Birth of Daughter with Christine Baumgartner

In 2010, Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner had a daughter.

2011: Radio Spots for National World War I Museum

In the spring of 2011, Kevin Costner recorded two radio spots for the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, which were aired on the Kansas City Royals Radio Network.

October 2014: Tribute to British Troops

In October 2014, Kevin Costner sent a tribute to British troops serving around the world, expressing gratitude for their service.

2017: Closure of the Midnight Star Casino

In 2017, Kevin Costner closed the Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant in Deadwood, South Dakota.

December 22, 2019: Endorsement of Pete Buttigieg

On December 22, 2019, Kevin Costner endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg at a rally in Indianola, Iowa.

2020: Sale of the Midnight Star Casino

In 2020, Kevin Costner sold the Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant in Deadwood, South Dakota.

August 12, 2021: Appearance at MLB at Field of Dreams Game

On August 12, 2021, Kevin Costner led the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox onto the field prior to the MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa, and delivered a speech.