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 for his contributions to the film industry. He has garnered numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, highlighting his success and influence in entertainment.

Sections (4)

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

January 18, 1955: Kevin Costner Born

On January 18, 1955, Kevin Michael Costner was born. He is an American actor and filmmaker who would later receive numerous awards.

Others born on this day/year

1962: Inspired by How the West Was Won

In 1962, Kevin Costner watched the film "How the West Was Won" as a child, which inspired his love for Western films.

1973: Graduated from Villa Park High School

In 1973, Kevin Costner graduated from Villa Park High School.

1978: Graduated from California State University, Fullerton

In 1978, Kevin Costner earned a BA from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).

1978: Encounter with Richard Burton

In 1978, while returning from his honeymoon, Kevin Costner met Richard Burton who encouraged him to pursue acting.

1992: Financial Support of Democratic Politicians

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

1994: Tatanka Sculpture Commissioned

In 1994, Kevin Costner commissioned Hill City artist Peggy Detmers to create a bronze sculpture depicting a buffalo jump.

1995: Contribution to Republican Phil Gramm

As late as 1995, Kevin Costner made contributions to Republican Phil Gramm.

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

On June 6, 2004, Kevin Costner opened Tatanka: The Story of the Bison near Deadwood, South Dakota, aiming to educate about America's westward expansion with interactive exhibits and a bronze sculpture of a buffalo jump.

2008: Campaigning for Barack Obama

In 2008, Kevin Costner campaigned for Barack Obama in Colorado, urging young voters to get to the polls.

2009: Tour and Big Valley Jamboree Incident

In 2009, Kevin Costner and Modern West toured with The Alternate Routes. In August 2009, at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, a severe thunderstorm caused a stage collapse, resulting in one death and forty injuries. A dinner with Costner was auctioned off for $41,000 to raise money for the victim's sons.

May 2010: BP Tests Costner's Oil Separation Machines

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