Kevin Costner fun facts: 15 things you might not know about the ‘Yellowstone’ star

With the ongoing success of the hit Paramount Network show “Yellowstone,” actor Kevin Costner has been enjoying a renewed period of popularity with viewing audiences. In addition to his starring role as ranch owner John Dutton, Costner has also recently hosted a documentary and presented an award at the 2022 Oscars.

While we’re still months away from the return of “Yellowstone” for the back half of Season 5, the show and franchise have been in the news of late. Fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when the network announced there were no plans to end the show early and Costner would continue to be part of it.

Check out the slideshow below to learn more about Kevin’s past, see photos of Costner over the years and much more.

15 things you might not know about Kevin Costner

1. He’s from the West Coast

Kevin Michael Costner was born January 18, 1955 in California.

2. He’s a college grad

Costner graduated from Cal State - Fullerton with a business degree.

3. He was inspired by a famous actor

Costner hadn’t committed to pursuing an acting career until after meeting Hollywood legend Richard Burton on a plane ride.

4. Aye aye, captain

While pursuing his acting career, Kevin once worked at Disneyland piloting one of the boats on the jungle cruise ride.

DURHAM, NC - JULY 4: Kevin Costner speaks at a news conference before performing with his band Modern West at a July Fourth celebration at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina. The concert marked the 20th anniversary of Costner's baseball movie "Bull Durham," filmed in Durham. (Photo by Sara D. Davis/Getty Images)Getty Images

5. Play ball!

There was a time when Costner was better known for his baseball movies, “Bull Durham,” “Field of Dreams” and “For Love of the Game”

6. Making history

Kevin has also portrayed multiple historical figures over the years including Elliott Ness in “The Untouchables” and Wyatt Earp in the film of the same name.

7. An award-winning actor and director

While he was nominated for Best Actor Oscar for “Dancing With Wolves,” Costner won the Academy Award for also directing the film. He also won an Emmy Award for his lead role in the miniseries “Hatfields & McCoys”

8. He’s also been in a few clunkers

Kevin has been nominated for Razzies for his roles in both ‘Waterworld’ and ‘The Postman’

9. He’s a ‘Star’

Costner was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003

10. A comics connection

Kevin has portrayed Superman’s adoptive father Jonathan Kent in multiple DC films.

Christine Baumgartner, Kevin Costner — Christine Baumgartner, left, and Kevin Costner arrive at the premiere of "Draft Day" at The Regency Village Theatre on Monday, April 7, 2014, in Westwood, Calif. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)John Shearer/Invision/AP

11. A Cleveland connection

Costner also portrayed the GM of the Cleveland Browns in the film ‘Draft Day’ which was partially shot in the city.

12. Life imitating art

Like his character on the show “Yellowstone,” Kevin owns a ranch (but his is in Colorado) called the Dunbar Ranch.

13. Swapping roles

Costner once turned down the lead role in “Air Force One” which Harrison Ford later starred in. Earlier in their careers, Ford had turned down the role of Jim Garrison which Costner filled.

14. He’s a singer too

He also founded the country music band, Kevin Costner & Modern West, in 2007.

15. Yellowstone IRL

Costner was both the host and narrator for the recent documentary series “Yellowstone: One-Fifty” which premiered last year on Fox Nation in honor of the park’s 150th birthday.