“Kevin Costner: 6 Things You Never Knew”
Kevin Costner: 6 Surprising Things You Might Not Know About the Hollywood Icon
We all think we know Kevin Costner — after all, he’s been a fixture of film and television for decades. But as the legendary actor lends his voice to a brand-new HISTORY series, it’s the perfect time to take a deeper look at the man behind the screen.
From unforgettable roles in The Untouchables and Field of Dreams to ‘90s blockbusters like The Bodyguard and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Costner has been a cinematic staple. But did you know he’s also a devoted history buff?
In his new docuseries Kevin Costner’s The West, airing on HISTORY, he explores the untold stories of the American frontier. Before you tune in, check out these lesser-known — and truly fascinating — facts about Kevin Costner.
1. Richard Burton Helped Launch His Acting Career
Long before Hollywood fame, a young Kevin Costner was still on the fence about pursuing acting. That all changed thanks to a chance meeting with legendary actor Richard Burton during a flight. Costner took the opportunity to ask the Cleopatra star for career advice — and Burton’s encouragement played a pivotal role in Costner’s decision to chase his acting dreams. Sadly, Burton passed away in 1984, just before Costner’s rise to stardom.
2. He Was Adopted by the Lakota Sioux Tribe
Costner didn’t just act in Dances With Wolves — he directed and starred in the 1990 Western epic, which portrayed the Lakota Sioux community with unprecedented sensitivity. The film was widely praised, especially by Native American audiences, and led to Costner being formally adopted by the Sioux tribe. His efforts were recognized at the 63rd Academy Awards, where he won Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture.
3. His Passion for Westerns Runs Deep
Costner’s love for Westerns isn’t just a career move — it’s personal. He’s starred in several, including Wyatt Earp (1994) and his self-funded Horizon film series (starting in 2020). His fascination with the genre began early, sparked by watching How the West Was Won as a child. It’s no wonder he’s now the voice of The West, HISTORY’s latest docuseries that brings real frontier tales to life.
4. He Planned a Sequel to The Bodyguard Starring Princess Diana
One of the more surprising chapters in Costner’s life involves royalty. In a 2024 interview on The Howard Stern Show, he revealed that Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, introduced him to Diana, Princess of Wales. At the time, he was developing a sequel to The Bodyguard — and envisioned Diana in the leading role. Tragically, her death in 1997 ended the project, but Costner recalled a touching later encounter with Prince William, calling their conversation “the sweetest, gentlest thing.”
5. He’s Also a Musician
Beyond acting and directing, Costner leads a double life as a musician. His band, Kevin Costner & Modern West, formed in the 2000s and blends country and rock influences. They’ve released five albums to date, including Tales from Yellowstone — a musical companion to Costner’s hit series Yellowstone. It’s yet another example of his deep ties to the American West.
6. Diane Lane Is His On-Screen Other Half
Costner has shared the screen with actress Diane Lane multiple times — most famously as Jonathan and Martha Kent, Superman’s adoptive parents in Man of Steel and its sequels. Their on-screen chemistry extends beyond the superhero universe, though. In 2020, they reunited as a married couple once again in the neo-Western thriller Let Him Go, where their natural rapport brought a quiet strength to the emotional drama.
Whether it’s music, history, or royalty, there’s much more to Kevin Costner than meets the eye. As The West brings new stories from the frontier into the spotlight, it’s clear that Costner’s connection to America’s past — both onscreen and off — is as deep as it is enduring.
