Kevin Costner spent 36 years trying to get his newest movie to its premiere this summer.
I pushed my chips to the middle and didnt blink, he says defiantly.
Just dont refer to it as a passion project.
Ive been passionate about a lot of things that Ive done.
This is a good idea about America.
Its part of our legacy.
ThoughHorizonis a mammoth undertaking, Kevin Costner knows what work is.
We fished salmon and, late in the season, albacore.
Sometimes we were out for eight days.
Thats how I made my money.
Hard work defined him then and now.
He has starred in more than 50 feature films and produced or directed over 30.
The inspiration to take on acting came during a chance encounter in 1978.
Burton looked him up and down.
You have green eyes, Burton pointed out.
And I have green eyes.
I think youll be fine.
I think its possible, Burton told him.
It hasnt been for me, but I think its possible.
Thats when the work was jump-started, through acting lessons and countless auditions.
In 1990 cameDances With Wolves, the first big bet Costner made on himself.
At three hours, the movie was thought to be too long for a modern movie audience.
But he owned his choices.
Im a more is better throw in of director, he said.
If something is good, I dont want it to end.
Audiences agreed.Dances With Wolvesgrossed some $424 million worldwide (thats approximately $1 billion in todays dollars).
He went on to star in some hits in the 90s, most notablyJFKandThe Bodyguard.
There were other troubles from time to time divorces, lawsuits and disagreements all widely reported.
He then confirmed via Instagram that he was done withYellowstoneinto the future.)
The first film is in theaters and will soon be streaming on premium VOD and Max.
The release date of the second film was unknown at press time; the third is wrapping up production.
Early reviews were decidedly mixed, but Costner says he doesnt read reviews.
Everybody says, Well, its just water off a ducks back, he says.
