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 an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker recognized with numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. He is known for his work in front of and behind the camera, having directed and starred in critically successful films.

Sections (4)

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

January 18, 1955: Kevin Costner's Birth

On January 18, 1955, Kevin Michael Costner was born. He is an American actor and filmmaker who has received various accolades.

Others born on this day/year

1962: Inspiration from How the West Was Won

In 1962, watching the film 'How the West Was Won' inspired Kevin Costner's love for Western films.

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1973: High School Graduation

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

1978: College Graduation

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

1978: Meeting Richard Burton

In 1978, Kevin Costner had a chance encounter with actor Richard Burton, who encouraged him to pursue acting.

1984: Birth of daughter

In 1984, Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva welcomed a daughter.

1986: Birth of daughter

In 1986, Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva welcomed a daughter.

1988: Birth of son

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

1991: Opened Midnight Star Casino

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

1992: Started supporting Democratic politicians

Since 1992, Kevin Costner has financially supported various Democratic politicians after switching his affiliation from the Republican party.

1994: Divorced Cindy Silva

In 1994, Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva divorced after 16 years of marriage.

1994: Commissioned buffalo jump sculpture

In 1994, Kevin Costner commissioned Hill City artist Peggy Detmers to create a bronze sculpture depicting a buffalo jump, later featured at Tatanka: The Story of the Bison.

1995: Contributions to Republican Phil Gramm

As late as 1995, Kevin Costner made contributions to Republican Phil Gramm, despite supporting Democratic politicians since 1992.

1995: Acquired company developing oil separation machines

In 1995, Kevin Costner purchased a company focused on developing oil separation machines using a patent acquired from the U.S. government.

1996: Relationship with Bridget Rooney and Elle Macpherson

In 1996, Kevin Costner had a son with Bridget Rooney and later lived with supermodel Elle Macpherson.

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

On June 6, 2004, Kevin Costner opened Tatanka: The Story of the Bison, an educational attraction near Deadwood, South Dakota, featuring exhibits and a bronze sculpture depicting a buffalo jump.

July 2004: Terminated employees at Midnight Star Casino

In July 2004, Kevin Costner terminated the employment of the Midnight Star Casino managers, Francis and Carla Caneva, leading to legal disputes.

September 25, 2004: Married Christine Baumgartner

On September 25, 2004, Kevin Costner married Christine Baumgartner at his ranch in Aspen, Colorado.

2007: Birth of son

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

2008: Campained for Barack Obama

In 2008, Kevin Costner publicly supported and campaigned for Barack Obama in Colorado.

2009: Birth of son

In 2009, Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner welcomed a son.

2009: Touring and Big Valley Jamboree incident

In 2009, Kevin Costner and Modern West toured, and at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, a severe thunderstorm caused a stage collapse, resulting in one death and numerous injuries. Subsequently, a dinner with Costner was auctioned for $41,000 to support the victim's family.

May 2010: BP tested Ocean Therapy Solutions machines

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

June 16, 2010: BP leased oil separation devices from Ocean Therapy Solutions

On June 16, 2010, BP leased 32 oil-water separation devices from Ocean Therapy Solutions.

2010: Birth of daughter

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

June 2012: Federal jury rejects lawsuit claims

In June 2012, a federal jury rejected securities fraud and misrepresentation claims brought by Stephen Baldwin and Spyron Contoguris, ordering them to reimburse Kevin Costner and other defendants for costs.