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, known for his significant contributions to the film industry. His career boasts numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, highlighting his success and impact on entertainment. He is widely recognized for his roles in and direction of successful films.

Sections (4)

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

1975: Started Dating Cindy Silva

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

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: Opening of Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant

In 1991, Kevin Costner opened the Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant in Deadwood, S.D.

1992: Support of Democratic Politicians Begins

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.

1994: Commission of Tatanka Sculpture

In 1994, Kevin Costner commissioned Hill City artist Peggy Detmers to create a bronze sculpture for Tatanka: The Story of the Bison.

1995: Contribution to Republican Phil Gramm

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

1995: Costner Buys Oil Separation Machine Company

In 1995, Kevin Costner purchased a company developing oil separation machines based on a patent from the US government.

1996: Relationships with Bridget Rooney and Elle Macpherson

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

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

On June 6, 2004, Kevin Costner opened Tatanka: The Story of the Bison, a $5-million attraction featuring exhibits, a visitor center, and a bronze sculpture of a buffalo jump, south of Deadwood, South Dakota.

July 2004: Termination of Employment and Dissolution of Partnership

In July 2004, Kevin Costner terminated the employment of Francis and Carla Caneva at the Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant, leading to a legal dispute over their shares in the partnership.

September 25, 2004: Marriage to Christine Baumgartner

On September 25, 2004, Kevin Costner married Christine Baumgartner 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: Campaigns for Barack Obama

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

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 and Charity Auction

In August 2009, during the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, a severe thunderstorm caused a stage collapse just before Kevin Costner and Modern West were to perform, resulting in one death and numerous injuries. Later, a charity auction was held, where a dinner with Costner was sold for $41,000.

May 2010: BP Tests Costner's Oil Separation Machines

In late May 2010, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, BP took six of Kevin Costner's Ocean Therapy Solutions oil separation machines 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.

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 spring 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.

June 2012: Jury Rejects Securities Fraud Claims

In June 2012, a federal jury in Louisiana rejected securities fraud and misrepresentation claims against Kevin Costner, filed by Stephen Baldwin and Spyron Contoguris regarding Ocean Therapy Solutions. The court also ordered Baldwin and Contoguris to reimburse the defendants for their costs.

October 2014: Tribute to British Troops

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

2015: Co-Authors The Explorer's Guild: A Passage to Shambhala

In 2015, Kevin Costner co-authored "The Explorer's Guild: A Passage to Shambhala", a hybrid adventure novel and graphic novel, with John Baird, Stephen C. Meyer, and Rick Ross.

2017: Closure of Midnight Star Casino

In 2017, Kevin Costner closed the Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant.

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: Joins HearHere Travel App

In 2020, Kevin Costner co-founded and became the podcast narrator and an investor in Woody Sears's new audio entertainment travel app, HearHere.

2020: Sale of Midnight Star Casino

In 2020, Kevin Costner sold the Midnight Star Casino and Restaurant.

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

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