Kevin costner life career in photos through the years 20241201 p5qx97.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Kevin Costner's career in photos: How a chance encounter led to his $378m acting career

Rosie Scott
Rosie Scott

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Today, fans know and love Kevin Costner for his hit series Yellowstone.

Kevin however, has been a star of the screen for well over 30 years.

The only place you can stream every episode of Yellowstone is on Stan.

With an estimated net worth of US$250 Million (approx. AU$378 million), the Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actor has fortified his place in American cinematic lore.

An actor, singer, father and producer, scroll through to see where it all began.

Attribution: Getty / Instagram
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After graduating high school, Kevin studied at California State University, Fullerton.

A chance encounter however, with legendary actor Richard Burton is what led him to pursue acting.

Attribution: Instagram
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While in college, Kevin met his first wife Cindy Silva. They married three years later in 1978.

It's said during the plane trip home from honeymoon, Kevin met Richard Burton.

Kevin was hoping to become an actor and approached Burton for advice.

Whatever Burton's response was that day, Kevin credits Burton for inspiring him to become an actor. 

Attribution: Not Supplied
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During their marriage, Kevin and Cindy welcomed two daughters: Annie in 1984 and Lily 1986. They also welcomed a son Joe in 1998.

The couple filed for divorce in 1994 after 16 years of marriage. 

Attribution: Instagram
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Kevin has said that watching the 1962 film How the West Was Won inspired his love for Western films.

"Silverado, 1985. A career-making movie for me," Kevin captioned this photo.

"I'll never forget my joy at finally being in a Western movie. It had been my life's dream since being glued to my seat watching How the West Was Won when I was seven years old."

Kevin's next role however helped him achieve movie star status. 

Attribution: Instagram
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In 1987, Kevin took on the big screen as federal agent Eliot Ness in The Untouchables.

Kevin's career soared as he scored the leading role in thriller No Way Out (1987) and romantic baseball comedy Bull Durham (1988) and baseball drama Field of Dreams (1989).

Attribution: Instagram
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The iconic snap was taken on the set of Bull Durham, who he starred in alongside Susan Sarandon.

Sports Illustrated went on to rank it as the #1 Greatest Sports Movie of all time.

Attribution: Instagram / MGM Studios
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In 1990, Kevin founded his first production company, Tig productions.

He partnered with producer Jim Wilson to get the company up and running.

Kevin directed and starred in the company's first film Dances with Wolves (1990) which went on to win seven Academy Awards out of the 12 nominations.

Attribution: Instagram / Tig Productions
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The following year, Kevin reimagined noble crusader Robin Hood in the 1991 swashbuckler Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

He shared the screen with Hollywood legends Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater and Alan Rickman.

"It was a real page-turner," Kevin told GQ about the film. "It was so physical - swimming, running, jumping - it was just good American fun."

Attribution: Instagram / Warner Bros.
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What came next was his 1992 drama The Bodyguard which Kevin starred and produced in.

Who could forget Kevin's role as a former secret agent turned personal bodyguard for R&B singer Rachel Marron (played by the late Whitney Houston).

"I remember seeing Whitney Houston and going, 'I'm going to have her playing this'," Kevin said in an interview with GQ.

"What she did for the movie and what the movie did for her is obvious." 

Attribution: Warner Bros

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