“Kevin Costner Reflects on His Unique Journey: ‘I Follow My Heart'”

Kevin Costner Juggles Filmmaking and Family Life: ‘I’ve Had an Amazing Life’

Kevin Costner is having a remarkable summer with back-to-back movie releases—two ambitious chapters of his Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga, for which he serves as cowriter, director, and star. His promotional tour has taken him from Las Vegas to Cannes, where he was nearly in tears during a 10-minute standing ovation.

Despite his busy schedule, Costner, 69, embraces his role as a dedicated dad, saying, “I’m an Uber guy.” The Oscar-winning actor, known for classics like The Untouchables, Dances with Wolves, and Field of Dreams, is also featured in PEOPLE’s 2024 issue as one of the magazine’s “100 Reasons to Love America.” He often finds himself driving his three youngest children—Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace, 14, whom he shares with ex-wife Christine Baumgartner—to various activities. “They’re like shooting stars,” he shares, reflecting on his life as a father to seven, including four adult children.

Costner’s filmmaking journey is as demanding as parenting. The first installment of Horizon premiered on June 28, with the second set to release on August 16. Having invested $38 million of his own money and mortgaged property to fund this passion project, Costner remains steadfast in his commitment. “I’ve had an incredibly unusual, and for the most part, beautiful life,” he reflects, looking back on his decades of experiences.

He attributes his enduring success to a strong work ethic instilled in him by his father, stating, “My father would never let another man outwork him.” Despite feeling lost during his college years at Cal State Fullerton, Costner eventually found his footing when he chose to follow his heart, recalling the thrill of his first audition for Rumpelstiltskin.

His early successes, including Silverado, Bull Durham, and Field of Dreams, quickly established him as a leading man. His directorial debut, Dances with Wolves, won him Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture, reinforcing his belief in trusting both the audience and himself.

Throughout his career, family has been a crucial support system for Costner. He describes his children as the “anchor” of his life, emphasizing his clarity about his responsibilities as a father. Even while navigating a recent divorce from Baumgartner, his commitment to Horizon remained a priority. “So many things were in motion,” he explains, highlighting the importance of staying the course amid challenges.

Now, after more than 30 years of development, Costner is ready to share the sweeping story of Horizon with the world. “The real gamble would be to ignore my heart,” he says.

Reflecting on his journey, Costner concludes, “I’ve been bruised, but I’ve had an amazing life, and I’m grateful for that.”