Inside Kevin Costner’s Love Life: Marriages, Divorces, On-Set Romances & JLo Rumors
Kevin Costner’s Love Life: Marriages, Rumors, and Hollywood Connections Explained
Kevin Costner, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, has enjoyed a long career filled with blockbuster hits and critical acclaim. Alongside his acting achievements, Costner has also made headlines over the years for his romantic relationships — from long-term marriages to rumored flings with fellow stars like Whitney Houston and Jennifer Lopez. Here’s a complete look at the Yellowstone star’s relationship history.
Who Was Kevin Costner’s First Wife?
Costner married his college sweetheart, Cindy Silva, in 1975. The couple welcomed three children together: daughters Annie (1984) and Lily (1986), and son Joe (1988).
After 16 years of marriage, the relationship ended in divorce in 1994, with speculation of infidelity during the filming of Waterworld contributing to the split.
Was There an Affair on the Set of Waterworld?
Rumors swirled at the time that Costner had become involved with Hawaiian hula dancer Michele Amaral, who worked on the Waterworld set. While many speculated this was the cause of his divorce, Costner has always denied the affair, stating that the two had never even spoken on the phone.
In a 1995 interview, Costner took responsibility for the breakdown of his marriage, saying:
“A series of events conspired to happen at the same time… and the marriage was my own failure.”
Did Kevin Costner Date Whitney Houston?
Although Costner shared undeniable on-screen chemistry with Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard (1992), their relationship remained platonic. The two developed a close friendship during filming, with Costner supporting Houston through moments of self-doubt about her acting.
After her death in 2012, Costner revealed that people close to Whitney would sometimes ask him to write letters of encouragement to her:
“When someone says, will you write a letter to someone who you know is having trouble… I did. I don’t know if those letters were ever read.”
Bridget Rooney and Their Son Liam
In the mid-to-late 1990s, Costner dated actress and philanthropist Bridget Rooney. Though the relationship didn’t last, they welcomed a son, Liam, in 1996. Costner initially did not acknowledge paternity but confirmed it after a DNA test requested by Rooney.
During this period, Costner was also romantically linked to several celebrities, including Courteney Cox, Bobbie Brown, Elle Macpherson, and Carla Bruni, though none of these relationships were publicly confirmed.
Marriage to Christine Baumgartner
Costner met model and handbag designer Christine Baumgartner in the mid-1990s while preparing for Tin Cup. They began dating in 1999 after reconnecting, and despite briefly splitting in 2003 over disagreements about having children, they reconciled and married in 2004.
The couple had three children: sons Cayden (2007) and Hayes (2009), and daughter Grace (2010). In a 2018 interview, Costner spoke about his change of heart regarding fatherhood:
“I woke up and thought: ‘Am I going to lose a beautiful woman who is willing to be with me to my very last breath because I am afraid to say yes to a child?’ That’s all it took.”
During the 2020 pandemic, Costner shared how quarantine brought his family closer, saying:
“Our house is like a river: You’ve just got to get into the flow of it.”
When Did Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner Divorce?
In May 2023, Christine filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The split garnered significant media attention, particularly surrounding disputes over their California home and child support.
Their divorce was finalized in February 2024. Costner was ordered to pay $63,000 per month in child support as of September 2023, and Christine vacated their shared home in July 2023.
Was Kevin Costner Linked to Demi Moore or Reese Witherspoon?
Following his separation from Christine, Costner’s name was tied to several stars, including longtime friend Demi Moore. The two reportedly met in the 1980s while auditioning for Flashdance, though there has never been confirmed romantic involvement.
Similar rumors also connected him to Reese Witherspoon, but like many past reports, these were unsubstantiated.
What About Jennifer Lopez and Jewel?
In December 2024, Costner was spotted at the same restaurant as Jennifer Lopez, sparking dating rumors. However, no indication of a romantic connection was found, and the two were not photographed dining together.
Costner was also linked to singer-songwriter Jewel after being seen with her at an exclusive event on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in 2024. He later addressed the speculation during The Howard Stern Show, saying:
“We have never gone out, ever. I don’t want these rumors to ruin our friendship, because that’s what we have.”
Who Is Kevin Costner Dating Now?
As of April 2025, Costner was spotted with a new “mystery woman,” reigniting public interest in his love life. However, the actor has kept details private, and no official relationship has been confirmed.
