Kevin Costner Discusses Parenting and New Series
Kevin Costner, while promoting his latest role in the History Channel’s series “The West,” shared some thoughts on his unconventional parenting style. He amusingly referred to himself as a “Dumbbell” but emphasized his dedication to exploring American history with passion.
In his words, “I don’t know, advice—I want them to see how I do my job. I take that seriously. I went to public school and often felt I wasn’t exactly shining in subjects like math. History, though? That always captured my attention.”
Costner, a father of seven, reminisced about his family dynamics. His oldest children, Annie (41), Lily (38), Joe (37), are from his first marriage to Cindy Silva. He also shares a son, Liam (28), with his former girlfriend Bridget Rooney.
Recently divorced from Christine Baumgartner, whom he married in 2004, Costner welcomed three more kids with her: Kaden (18), Hayes (16), and Grace. Reflecting on his parenting, he quipped about often giving in to his children’s whims, light-heartedly comparing their desires to those of his dog, Bob.
“I can’t be ashamed of kids who want car keys. I don’t feel embarrassed that their social schedule is more important than mine. They control me.”
Costner, along with Doris Kearns Goodwin, serves as an executive producer for “The West.” The series delves into the rich and complicated history of the American West, exploring themes of struggle and resilience. Goodwin praised Costner’s deep connection to the project, noting his infectious enthusiasm.
In a candid moment, Costner compared the world of Western history to sports, expressing a fondness for the unpredictability inherent in both realms. He made it clear that understanding the West involves recognizing its dangers and challenges. “You’ve always had to be resourceful,” he noted, highlighting the harsh reality faced by those who ventured into that unforgiving territory.
Costner’s series, “The West,” premiered on Memorial Day and will be available for streaming shortly after. It promises to reveal not only the trials faced by those who lived there but also the complexities of human nature in such extreme circumstances.
