History of Kevin Costner in Timeline

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.

1975: Started Dating Cindy Silva

In 1975, Kevin Costner started dating fellow college student Cindy Silva.

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.

1978: Filming of Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.

In the winter of 1978-79, Kevin Costner filmed 'Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.'

1981: Film Debut in Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.

In 1981, Kevin Costner made his film debut in 'Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.'

1982: Minor role in Night Shift

In 1982, Kevin Costner played a minor role as "Frat Boy #1" in the Ron Howard film Night Shift.

1983: Appeared in Apple Lisa Commercial and Table for Five and had a small role in Testament.

In 1983, Kevin Costner appeared in a commercial for the Apple Lisa and Table for Five, and had a small role in the nuclear holocaust film Testament.

1983: Starred in Stacy's Knights

In 1983, Kevin Costner starred in 'Stacy's Knights'.

1984: Birth of First Daughter

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

1985: Breakout Role in Silverado

In 1985, Kevin Costner had a breakout role in 'Silverado'.

1986: Re-release of Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.

In 1986, 'Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.' was re-released.

1986: Birth of Second Daughter

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

1987: Achieved Movie Star Status

In 1987, Kevin Costner achieved movie star status after starring in 'The Untouchables' and 'No Way Out'.

1987: Starred in No Way Out

In 1987, Kevin Costner starred in 'No Way Out'.

1987: Starred in The Untouchables

In 1987, Kevin Costner starred in 'The Untouchables', marking an early rise to prominence in his acting career.

1988: Birth of Son

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

1988: Starred in Bull Durham

In 1988, Kevin Costner continued his A-list status by starring in 'Bull Durham'.

1989: Starred in Field of Dreams

In 1989, Kevin Costner solidified his A-list status starring in 'Field of Dreams'.

1990: Directed and Starred in Dances with Wolves

In 1990, Kevin Costner directed and starred in 'Dances with Wolves', winning two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director.

1990: Formed Tig Productions and Released Dances with Wolves

In 1990, Kevin Costner partnered with Jim Wilson to form Tig Productions and released 'Dances with Wolves', which won seven Academy Awards.

1990: Academy Awards for Dances with Wolves

In 1990, Kevin Costner received two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director for "Dances with Wolves".

1991: Midnight Star Casino Opens

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

1991: Starred in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and JFK

In 1991, Kevin Costner portrayed Robin Hood in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' and starred as District Attorney Jim Garrison in 'JFK', earning a Golden Globe nomination for the latter.

1991: Starred in JFK and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

In 1991, Kevin Costner starred in 'JFK' and 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'.

1992: Starred in The Bodyguard

In 1992, Kevin Costner starred in 'The Bodyguard'.

1992: Financial Support of Democratic Politicians

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

1993: Starred in A Perfect World

In 1993, Kevin Costner starred as a criminal on the run in Clint Eastwood's drama 'A Perfect World'.

1994: Divorce from Cindy Silva

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

1994: Tatanka Sculpture Commissioned

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

1994: Starred in and Co-produced Wyatt Earp

In 1994, Kevin Costner starred in and co-produced 'Wyatt Earp'.

1994: Starred in Wyatt Earp

In 1994, Kevin Costner took the title role in the western biopic 'Wyatt Earp', and starred in the drama film 'The War'.

1995: Contribution to Republican Phil Gramm

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

1995: Costner Buys Oil Separation Machine Company

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

1995: Starred in and Co-produced Waterworld

In 1995, Kevin Costner starred in and co-produced 'Waterworld'.

1995: Starred in Waterworld

In 1995, Kevin Costner starred in the science fiction epic 'Waterworld'.

1996: Birth of Son with Bridget Rooney

In 1996, Kevin Costner and Bridget Rooney had a son together.

1996: Starred in Tin Cup

In 1996, Kevin Costner starred in 'Tin Cup'.

1997: Directed The Postman

In 1997, Kevin Costner directed 'The Postman'.

1997: Directed and starred in The Postman

In 1997, Kevin Costner directed and starred in 'The Postman', which received negative reviews and won five Golden Raspberry Awards.

1999: Starred in Message in a Bottle and For Love of the Game

In 1999, Kevin Costner starred in 'Message in a Bottle' and 'For Love of the Game'.

1999: Starred in Message in a Bottle

In 1999, Kevin Costner starred in 'Message in a Bottle'.

2000: Starred in Thirteen Days

In 2000, Kevin Costner starred in 'Thirteen Days', which revived his career somewhat.

2003: Directed Open Range

In 2003, Kevin Costner directed 'Open Range'.

2003: Directed and Starred in Open Range

In 2003, Kevin Costner directed and starred in 'Open Range', receiving critical acclaim.

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.

July 2004: Employment Termination and Lawsuit

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

September 25, 2004: Marriage to Christine Baumgartner

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

2005: Starred in The Upside of Anger

In 2005, Kevin Costner played supporting role in 'The Upside of Anger'.

2005: Starred in Rumour Has It

In 2005, Kevin Costner starred opposite Jennifer Aniston in the movie Rumour Has It.

September 6, 2006: Honored at Grauman's Chinese Theatre

On September 6, 2006, Kevin Costner was honored at Grauman's Chinese Theatre with his hand and foot prints set in concrete.

February 25, 2007: Ceremonial Grand Marshal at Auto Club 500

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

October 2007: Kevin Costner & Modern West Worldwide Tour

In October 2007, Kevin Costner's band, Kevin Costner & Modern West, embarked on a worldwide tour, which included shows in Istanbul and Rome. The band also performed at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races during October 2007.

2007: Birth of Son with Christine Baumgartner

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

2007: Starred in Mr. Brooks

In 2007, Kevin Costner starred in 'Mr. Brooks'.

November 11, 2008: Release of "Untold Truths" album

On November 11, 2008, Kevin Costner & Modern West released their country album, "Untold Truths", on Universal South Records. The album reached No. 61 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

2008: Campaigning for Barack Obama

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

2008: NASCAR Documentary Narrator

In 2008, Kevin Costner narrated "The Ride of Their Lives", a NASCAR documentary produced by NASCAR Media Group and CMT Films.

2008: Starred in Swing Vote

In 2008, Kevin Costner starred in 'Swing Vote'.

2008: Tig Productions Closed

In 2008, Kevin Costner's Tig Productions company closed and was changed to Tree House Films.

2009: Birth of Second Son with Christine Baumgartner

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

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.

2009: NASCAR Day Spokesman

In 2009, Kevin Costner was named the spokesman for NASCAR Day, which took place on May 15. On May 16, he and his band performed at Charlotte Motor Speedway and participated in a Victory Challenge.

February 2010: "Turn It On" Album Release and European Tour

In February 2010, Kevin Costner and Modern West released their second album, "Turn It On", in Europe, and supported it with a European tour.

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.

June 16, 2010: BP Leases Oil Separation Devices

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

2010: Birth of Daughter with Christine Baumgartner

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

2010: Starred in The Company Men

In 2010, Kevin Costner appeared in 'The Company Men'.

January 2011: The Company Men Released

In January 2011, the movie 'The Company Men', in which Kevin Costner starred, was released in cinemas worldwide.

2011: Announced Directorial Return

In 2011, Kevin Costner announced his return to directing with 'A Little War of Our Own'.

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.

May 28, 2012: Hatfields & McCoys Premiered

On May 28, 2012, 'Hatfields & McCoys' premiered on the History Channel, starring Kevin Costner as Devil Anse Hatfield.

June 2012: Jury Rejects Lawsuit in Oil-Clean-Up Case

In June 2012, a federal jury in Louisiana rejected securities fraud and misrepresentation claims from Stephen Baldwin and Spyron Contoguris related to Kevin Costner's Ocean Therapy Solutions, after deliberating for less than two hours. Baldwin and Contoguris were ordered to reimburse the defendants in the case for their costs.

July 2012: Telus World Skins Game Performance

In July 2012, Kevin Costner and Modern West performed at the 20th annual Telus World Skins Game in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to support the IWK Health Centre Foundation, and donated an autographed guitar.

2012: Portrayed Devil Anse Hatfield in Hatfields & McCoys

In 2012, Kevin Costner portrayed Devil Anse Hatfield in the miniseries 'Hatfields & McCoys', winning a Primetime Emmy Award.

2012: Golden Globe Award for Hatfields & McCoys

In 2012, Kevin Costner received a Golden Globe Award for "Hatfields & McCoys".

2013: Starred in Man of Steel

In 2013, Kevin Costner played supporting role in 'Man of Steel'.

2013: Won Awards for Hatfields & McCoys

In 2013, Kevin Costner won the Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe Award for his role in 'Hatfields & McCoys'.

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.

2014: Starred in Multiple Films

In 2014, Kevin Costner appeared in 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit', '3 Days to Kill', 'Draft Day', and 'Black or White'.

2014: Starred in 3 Days to Kill, Draft Day and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

In 2014, Kevin Costner starred in '3 Days to Kill', 'Draft Day', and 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit', and 'Black or White'.

2015: Co-Authors "The Explorer's Guild"

In 2015, Kevin Costner co-authored "The Explorer's Guild: A Passage to Shambhala", a hybrid adventure novel and graphic novel.

2015: Starred in McFarland, USA

In 2015, Kevin Costner played coach Jim White in the drama film McFarland, USA.

2016: Starred in Hidden Figures

In 2016, Kevin Costner played Al Harrison in Hidden Figures.

2017: Midnight Star Casino Closure

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

2017: Starred in Molly's Game

In 2017, Kevin Costner played supporting role in 'Molly's Game'.

2018: Portrayed John Dutton on Yellowstone

In 2018, Kevin Costner began portraying rancher John Dutton on the Paramount Network drama series 'Yellowstone'.

2018: Starred in Yellowstone

Since 2018, Kevin Costner has starred in and produced the television series Yellowstone.

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.

2019: Starred in The Art of Racing in the Rain

In 2019, Kevin Costner starred in 'The Art of Racing in the Rain', where he voiced Enzo the dog.

2019: Starred in The Highwaymen

In 2019, Kevin Costner starred in 'The Highwaymen'.

2020: Joins HearHere App

In 2020, Kevin Costner joined Woody Sears's HearHere, a travel app, as a co-founder, podcast narrator, and investor, providing audio stories for travelers.

2020: Starred in Let Him Go

In 2020, Kevin Costner played supporting role in 'Let Him Go'.

2020: Midnight Star Casino Sold

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

August 12, 2021: MLB at Field of Dreams 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 short speech.