Kevin Costner: A True Hollywood Icon

Introduction

Kevin Costner is an American actor, director, producer, and musician who has starred in over 60 films and won two Academy Awards. He is best known for his roles in "Field of Dreams," "Dances with Wolves," and "The Bodyguard."

Early Life and Career

Kevin Costner was born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California. He attended California State University, Fullerton, where he studied business. After graduating, he worked as a marketing executive for a furniture company.

In 1981, Costner made his acting debut in "Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.." He went on to have small roles in several other films, including "The Untouchables" and "No Way Out."

Breakthrough

Costner's breakthrough role came in 1987, when he starred in "The Untouchables." He played Eliot Ness, a federal agent who led the fight against Al Capone's crime syndicate. For his performance, Costner was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Academy Award Win

In 1990, Costner won his first Academy Award for Best Director for his work on "Dances with Wolves." The film, which he also starred in and produced, told the story of a white Union soldier who befriends a Sioux tribe during the American Civil War.

Continued Success

After winning his Oscar, Costner continued to star in a string of successful films, including "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" (1991), "The Bodyguard" (1992), and "Waterworld" (1995).

Later Career

In recent years, Costner has starred in a number of television series, including "Hatfields & McCoys" (2012), "The Highwaymen" (2019), and "Yellowstone" (2018-present).

Personal Life

Costner has been married twice. He has three children with his first wife, Cindy Silva, and three children with his current wife, Christine Baumgartner.

Legacy

Kevin Costner is one of the most successful actors of all time. He has starred in over 60 films, won two Academy Awards, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Awards and Recognition

• Academy Award for Best Director ("Dances with Wolves," 1990)
• Academy Award for Best Picture ("Dances with Wolves," 1990)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama ("Dances with Wolves," 1991)
• British Academy Film Award for Best Film ("Dances with Wolves," 1991)
• Cecil B. DeMille Award (2012)

Kevin Costner's Most Iconic Roles

Kevin Costner has starred in a number of iconic roles throughout his career. Here are three of the most memorable:

• Eliot Ness in "The Untouchables" (1987): Costner played Eliot Ness, a federal agent who led the fight against Al Capone's crime syndicate.
• Lieutenant Dunbar in "Dances with Wolves" (1990): Costner played Lieutenant Dunbar, a white Union soldier who befriends a Sioux tribe during the American Civil War.
• Frank Farmer in "The Bodyguard" (1992): Costner played Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent who is hired to protect a famous singer.

Kevin Costner's Business Ventures

In addition to his acting career, Kevin Costner has also been involved in a number of business ventures. He is the founder of the Kevin Costner Modern West company, which sells a line of furniture, clothing, and home decor.

Costner is also a co-owner of the Major League Baseball team the Milwaukee Brewers.

Kevin Costner's Philanthropy

Kevin Costner is a generous philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to a variety of causes, including environmental protection, education, and disaster relief.

In 2010, Costner founded the Kevin Costner National Center for Envi