Happy Birthday Kevin Costner — Looking Back On The Star’s Successful Career Over Three Decades

Jan 18, 2022 by apost team

Kevin Costner has always captured our hearts through his actions and emotions on the big screen. A protagonist of many great love stories, some might even consider Kevin to be the "king" of Hollywood romance.

Despite his recurring role as the king of love on the big screen, Kevin did not have that much luck when it came to finding love in real life. After many years of trying again and again in failed relationships, the actor finally found love at 49 years old — and he has never looked back since.

Kevin is a man of many talents who has a striking likability. This comes across in his legendary roles in films like "Field of Dreams," "Bull Durham" and "Dances With Wolves." Kevin has been a major Hollywood star for over three decades and continues to be loved around the world. 

While he is the true definition of a successful actor, the 66-year-old is also a leading man in real life, with seven beautiful children. The California-born actor also plays a father's role to four sons — Joe, Liam, Cayden and Hayes — and three daughters — Annie, Lily and Grace. Taking on a large family as well as working as an accomplished actor might seem overwhelming, but Kevin says he likes it that way. 

On the occasion of the beloved actor's 67th birthday, we are taking a closer look at the actor's career and accomplishments. Read on to learn more about Costner and his career, and how he became one of the most celebrated actors of our time. 

Born on Jan. 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California, Kevin Costner was the youngest of three sons. Sadly, however, his middle brother did not survive long and passed away during childbirth. Growing up in Compton, California, Kevin's teenage years would include frequent moving due to his father's job as an electrician for changing bosses. On top of Lynwood and Compton, the family also lived in Ventura, Visalia and Orange County.

In a New York Times interview from 1989, Kevin described this early period of his life as very stressful, saying:

"I supplanted my own personality just to get along. I was thrown into so many situations that I quit trying. I couldn't come on too strong, I didn't want to be too funny, I didn't want to be too good. And I certainly didn't want the head guy's girl to like me. I think I lost a lot of confidence in who I was."

His first role came in 1983 when he was asked to perform in the movie, "The Big Chill". He starred alongside other popular actors, including Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Glenn Close, and Kevin Kline. Unfortunately, all of Costner's scenes were removed from the film, leaving him nameless in the harsh world of entertainment. Costner felt lucky always to have his wife by his side, supporting him through the beginning of his career.

Luck began to shine down on him when he was called for another major role in 1985. The director of his previous film, Lawrence Kasdan, decided to give him a role in Silverado's film. With this film, Costner's career finally began to take off.

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During the successful portion of his career, Costner was asked to star in plenty of popular films, including "Bull Durham," "Field of Dreams," and "The Untouchables." He was awarded two Academy Awards in 1990 for his amazing performance in the film, "Dances with Wolves." Soon after, he starred in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and "JFK."

Costner made many connections and friendships throughout his career, but his most notable relationship was with Whitney Houston, a celebrity we all know for her melodious voice. At the time, Whitney was new to the world of acting and had little to no experience. Her first film was "The Bodyguard," where she played the role of a music superstar. Costner did his best to give his co-star advice and tips; however, it seemed that Houston did not need much help. Her talent and charming personality made the movie a hit. While the pair exhibited great romantic chemistry on the big screen, a real relationship was never confirmed.

Despite his leading character in Hollywood, the now 67-year old still plays second fiddle with his kids being different. At times, he couldn't help but laugh at the funny things his kids still do, especially his young daughter, Grace Costner. In an interview on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", he recounted when the youngest had put him in his place. In the 2015 interview, the Oscar winner jokingly revealed:

"One time, I was watching 'Black or White' and there's this moment where I'm coming out of a pool….and she came in and sat next to me...and she goes 'Dad, you've got a fat belly!'"

Costner has enjoyed fame and success on the screen and has a loving family — an incredible feat to have achieved! On his 67th birthday, Costner has a lot to be thankful for. 

Happy birthday to Kevin Costner! What was your favorite Costner movie? Tell us all about it and pass this along to fellow fans.