“Kevin Costner: Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey”
Kevin Costner’s life underwent a profound transformation when he chose to “listen to [his] heart.” At 69, the actor recalls a pivotal moment during his time at California State University, Fullerton in the 1970s. It was a shift in mindset that significantly altered his career trajectory.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Costner revealed, “The confidence came when I listened to my heart, right at the very end of college. I decided I wasn’t going to worry about what others thought anymore.” He continued, “There was no guarantee of success, but a tremendous weight lifted off my shoulders. I began commuting to Hollywood daily, parking my small camper next to a phone booth, and sleeping in a fetal position. I didn’t know anyone.”
Despite numerous highs and lows throughout his career, Costner has no regrets. “The real gamble would have been ignoring my heart and the whispers it was giving me,” he shared. “I can honestly say I’ve had an incredible life. I’ve faced challenges, but I’m deeply grateful for every experience.”
Earlier this year, Costner opened up about his early doubts in Hollywood. At one point, he worked as a stage manager at Raleigh Studios while his acting career was just beginning. On the ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast, he reflected, “Once I got my foot in the door, things started moving quickly. It wasn’t like Tom Cruise’s early fame; it took me until I was 27 or 28. I was a stage manager earning $3.25 an hour, while actors like Richard Gere, Mel Gibson, Nicolas Cage, Timothy Hutton, and Sean Penn were around. There were moments I wondered if I’d ever land a role.”
