Kevin Costner Says Retirement Isn’t on His Mind
At 70 years old, legendary actor Kevin Costner is making it clear that retirement is not on his radar.
“I don’t even think about retiring,” Costner shared. “I just move on to whatever captures my imagination next. It’s my imagination that drives me, not a boss or a schedule. Everyone’s path is different, and we all have unique things happening in our lives.” Reflecting on his long career, Costner says he feels “really lucky” and credits his success to hard work and persistence.
“Not everyone lives by the same blueprint,” he added.
Costner’s impressive filmography includes classics like Field of Dreams, Dances with Wolves (which also marked his directorial debut), The Bodyguard, and JFK. On the small screen, he’s known for roles in Hatfields & McCoys (2012) and Yellowstone (2018–2023). His work has earned him two Oscars for Dances with Wolves and an Emmy for Hatfields & McCoys.
Speaking in 2024 about what success means to him now, Costner offered a thoughtful perspective. “We often have false ideas about success,” he said. “I know what it feels like to have a huge hit and the impact it has. But what really counts? Is it money? Is it achieving your personal goals? Films aren’t just about the opening weekend. Ten years later, a good movie still resonates. Success is about whether you’ll revisit it, share it with your kids, or discover new layers in it. Those are the true measures.”
Costner isn’t alone in rejecting retirement from acting. Seventy-seven-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger, iconic actor and bodybuilder, also isn’t ready to step away. “There are so many things I do that keep me going. Why would I stop? This is what makes life fun,” he said. “Facing new challenges every day — that’s what separates living from merely existing.”
Meanwhile, Hollywood star Brad Pitt, 61, shares a similar mindset. Pitt says his passion has been reignited thanks to his latest film, F1. “After all these years, finding something that felt like starting fresh was incredible. It gave me a new kind of passion, something I’ve never felt before,” he revealed. “It was truly sublime.”
