Kevin Costner is one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile talents. From blockbuster films like Dances with Wolves and The Bodyguard to his commanding role in the hit series Yellowstone, Costner has built a legacy of excellence as an actor, director, and storyteller. With a career spanning more than four decades, his name is synonymous with American cinema, Western drama, and thoughtful filmmaking. As time passes, many fans ask: Is Kevin Costner still alive?
This article provides a clear answer while offering a comprehensive look at Costner’s current life status, health, career milestones, personal journey, and lasting legacy in the entertainment world.
Is Kevin Costner Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Kevin Costner is still alive as of 2025.
At 70 years old, Costner continues to thrive as an actor, director, producer, and musician. He remains active in the entertainment industry, with recent projects in both television and film. While some shifts in his career and personal life have sparked media attention, he continues to engage in creative work and public appearances, maintaining his role as one of America’s most respected cinematic figures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kevin Michael Costner was born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California. Raised in Compton and later in various parts of California, Costner developed an early interest in storytelling and history. He earned a degree in marketing and finance from California State University, Fullerton, but soon turned his focus toward acting.
He began his acting career in the late 1970s, slowly building momentum through small film roles and television appearances. His breakthrough came in the mid-1980s, when he began landing leading roles in critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.
Rise to Fame and Blockbuster Success
Kevin Costner’s stardom rose rapidly with a string of successful films that showcased his charisma, rugged charm, and ability to portray complex American heroes.
Career-Defining Films:
- The Untouchables (1987) – as Eliot Ness
- Bull Durham (1988) – a romantic sports drama
- Field of Dreams (1989) – a modern American classic
- Dances with Wolves (1990) – director and lead actor
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
- JFK (1991)
- The Bodyguard (1992) – alongside Whitney Houston
Dances with Wolves (1990)
Costner directed, produced, and starred in Dances with Wolves, which became a monumental success. The film won seven Academy Awards, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Costner)
It also helped usher in a renewed interest in epic Western storytelling and earned Costner global acclaim as a filmmaker.
Continued Work in Film and Television
Following his early success, Costner continued working through the 1990s and 2000s with varying degrees of box office success. Films such as Wyatt Earp (1994), Waterworld (1995), and The Postman (1997) were ambitious projects that received mixed critical reception but contributed to his reputation for bold, expansive storytelling.
He later returned to critical favor with projects like:
- Open Range (2003)
- Mr. Brooks (2007)
- Draft Day (2014)
- Hidden Figures (2016)
- Let Him Go (2020)
Costner’s roles often explore themes of integrity, justice, and redemption—values that resonate with his fanbase across generations.
Television Renaissance: Yellowstone
Costner made a triumphant return to mainstream prominence with his starring role as John Dutton in the Paramount Network series Yellowstone (2018–2023). The show, created by Taylor Sheridan, became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most-watched dramas on television.
About the Show:
- Follows the Dutton family as they fight to preserve their Montana ranch from outside threats
- Costner’s portrayal of the stoic, powerful patriarch received widespread acclaim
- Helped spark a revival of interest in Western-themed storytelling
Costner also served as an executive producer on the series. Yellowstone became a cornerstone of his legacy, introducing his work to new audiences and cementing his relevance in the streaming era.
Health and Wellness
As of 2025, Kevin Costner is in good health. There have been no confirmed reports of serious medical conditions. While he has naturally slowed his pace with age, he remains active in acting, directing, and performing music.
Costner maintains a balanced lifestyle that includes:
- Outdoor activities and fitness
- A focus on family and personal well-being
- Regular engagement with creative projects
He often speaks about the importance of staying grounded, and credits his upbringing and personal values for helping him navigate fame without losing himself.
Music Career
In addition to film and television, Kevin Costner is the lead singer of the country rock band Kevin Costner & Modern West. The band has released several albums and performed on tour across the United States and Europe.
Albums Include:
- Untold Truths (2008)
- Turn It On (2010)
- Famous for Killing Each Other (2012) – music inspired by Hatfields & McCoys
Music is a personal and passionate outlet for Costner, allowing him to connect with fans in an intimate, expressive format. His songwriting often reflects the themes present in his acting work: love, land, heritage, and resilience.
Personal Life and Recent Developments
Kevin Costner has been married twice. He was first married to Cindy Silva from 1978 to 1994. The couple had three children before divorcing. In 2004, Costner married Christine Baumgartner, a handbag designer, with whom he has three children.
In 2023, Costner and Baumgartner divorced after nearly 20 years of marriage, a development that made headlines but was handled with relative privacy and mutual respect.
He is a dedicated father and often prioritizes spending time with his children. He has spoken candidly about balancing career obligations with the desire to be present for his family.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Kevin Costner has long been involved in philanthropic efforts and environmental advocacy.
Notable Initiatives:
- Invested in technology to help clean up oceanic oil spills
- Supports Native American rights and land preservation causes
- Participates in children’s charities and education initiatives
- Advocates for conservation and responsible land use
His roles in films like Dances with Wolves and Yellowstone align closely with his off-screen values, particularly his respect for nature, American history, and traditional storytelling.
Awards and Honors
Costner’s work has earned numerous accolades throughout his career.
Major Awards:
- Academy Awards: Best Director and Best Picture for Dances with Wolves
- Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film (Hatfields & McCoys, 2013)
- Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Lead Actor (Hatfields & McCoys)
- Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for ensemble work
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2003)
Costner is also recognized as one of the defining American actors of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, admired for his dedication to meaningful storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kevin Costner still alive in 2025?
Yes, Kevin Costner is alive and continues to work in entertainment and music.
How old is Kevin Costner?
Born on January 18, 1955, Kevin Costner is 70 years old in 2025.
Is Kevin Costner still acting?
Yes. He remains active in the film industry, developing new projects as an actor, director, and producer.
What is Kevin Costner best known for?
He is best known for Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard, Field of Dreams, and Yellowstone, among many others.
Has Kevin Costner won any Oscars?
Yes. He won two Academy Awards in 1991 for Dances with Wolves—Best Picture and Best Director.
Is Kevin Costner involved in music?
Yes. He leads the band Kevin Costner & Modern West and has released multiple albums.
Conclusion
So, is Kevin Costner still alive? Yes—and still contributing meaningfully to film, television, music, and philanthropy. At 70, he stands as a rare example of a Hollywood star who has not only endured but evolved. His career reflects integrity, range, and a deep love of storytelling rooted in American heritage.
In 2025, Kevin Costner remains a commanding figure in the entertainment industry. Whether directing a Western epic, performing on stage with his band, or delivering a compelling speech on environmental causes, his voice continues to resonate across mediums and generations. His legacy, built over decades of work, remains a powerful and lasting testament to what it means to be a true American filmmaker.