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 celebrated American actor and filmmaker recognized with prestigious awards including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. His career spans acting and directing, contributing significantly to the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

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

1984: Birth of First Daughter

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

1986: Birth of Second Daughter

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

1988: Birth of Son

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

1991: Costner Opens Midnight Star Casino

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

1992: Shift to Supporting Democratic Politicians

Starting in 1992, Kevin Costner shifted his political affiliation and began financially supporting Democratic politicians such as Al Gore and Tom Daschle.

1994: Detmers Commissioned for Tatanka Sculpture

Kevin Costner commissioned Peggy Detmers in 1994 to create a bronze sculpture for his future attraction, Tatanka: The Story of the Bison.

1995: Contribution to Republican Phil Gramm

In 1995, despite largely supporting Democrats since 1992, Kevin Costner contributed to Republican Phil Gramm.

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

On June 6, 2004, Kevin Costner opened "Tatanka: The Story of the Bison" near Deadwood, South Dakota, a $5-million attraction intended to educate visitors about America's westward expansion and the relationship between Plains Indians and bison.

July 2004: Employment Termination and Lawsuit at Midnight Star Casino

In July 2004, Kevin Costner terminated the employment of Francis and Carla Caneva, managers at the Midnight Star Casino, leading to a lawsuit over the value of their shares in the establishment.

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 publicly stated he had no political ambitions. In the days before the 2008 presidential election, he campaigned for Barack Obama in Colorado, urging young voters to participate enthusiastically.

2009: Birth of Second Son with Christine Baumgartner

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

2009: Tragedy at Big Valley Jamboree

In 2009, at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, a severe thunderstorm caused a stage collapse, resulting in one death and forty injuries, right before Kevin Costner and his band were scheduled to perform. A charity auction was held afterward.

May 2010: BP Tests Costner's Oil Separation Machines

In late May 2010, in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, BP took six oil separation machines from Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company in which Kevin Costner had an interest, for testing.

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

On June 16, 2010, BP entered into a lease agreement with Kevin Costner's Ocean Therapy Solutions for 32 oil-water separation devices to help with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup.

2010: Birth of Daughter with Christine Baumgartner

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

October 2014: Tribute to British Troops

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

2017: Closure of Midnight Star Casino

Kevin Costner closed the Midnight Star Casino in 2017.

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 Midnight Star Casino

In 2020, Kevin Costner sold the Midnight Star Casino.

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

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