Kevin Michael Costner was born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California. He grew up in Compton, California, as the youngest of three boys. His parents were William Costner, an electrician, and Sharon Rae Costner, a welfare worker.

His middle brother died at birth. He was raised Baptist and had a keen interest in sports, particularly baseball and basketball. Kevin Costner attended California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a degree in marketing. He later decided to pursue acting full-time after a chance encounter with actor Richard Burton.

His acting career began in the early 1980s with minor roles in films such as Sizzle Beach, U.S.A. and Testament. He gained prominence with his role in The Untouchables in 1987. His career took off with the success of Bull Durham in 1988 and Field of Dreams in 1989.

Kevin directed and starred in the epic Western film Dances with Wolves in 1990, which won him two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. He continued to star in successful films throughout the 1990s, including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Bodyguard, and Wyatt Earp. Kevin also directed and starred in Waterworld and The Postman.

Kevin Costner has received numerous awards throughout his career, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. He won the Golden Globe for his roles in Dances with Wolves, Hatfields & McCoys, and Yellowstone.

He also received a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance in Hidden Figures. His other notable films include Tin Cup, Message in a Bottle, For Love of the Game, Open Range, and The Highwaymen. He has also appeared in television series such as Hatfields & McCoys and Yellowstone.

Kevin Costner has been married twice. He was first married to Cindy Silva from 1978 to 1994, and they have three children: Annie, Lily, and Joe. He has a son named Liam with former partner Bridget Rooney.

Kevin married Christine Baumgartner in 2004, and they have three children: Cayden, Hayes, and Grace. Kevin and Christine filed for divorce in 2024. Kevin remains a dedicated father and often speaks about the joys and challenges of raising his seven children.