What Is Kevin Costner's Net Worth and Salary?
Kevin Costner is an acclaimed American actor, producer, and director with a net worth of $250 million. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was one of the highest-paid actors globally, credited to blockbuster roles in hits like "Dances with Wolves" and "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves."
In 1991, Kevin earned $50 million primarily from backend points on "Dances with Wolves," which translates to $110 million today. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. He earned an additional $40 million from "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" in 1992 and $14 million for his role in the 1995 movie "Waterworld." Kevin has bagged two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Recently, he gained critical acclaim for his role in the TV series "Yellowstone."
"Yellowstone" Salary
Kevin signed a deal with Paramount ahead of the fifth season of "Yellowstone," raising his salary to $1.2 million per episode for a 16-episode season. A dispute with the show's creator, Taylor Sheridan, over filming days for part two of the season arose in early 2023. If the remaining episodes are filmed, he will have earned $19.2 million for the season. Potential sixth season salaries could see him earn $1.5 million per episode, adding up to $24 million for the season.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kevin Michael Costner, born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California, is the youngest of three boys. His mother Sharon was a welfare worker, while his father William worked as an electrician and executive at Southern California Edison. Kevin grew up in Compton, California, and attended high school at Mt. Whitney High and ultimately graduated from Villa Park High School in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in marketing and finance from California State University, Fullerton, in 1978.
He pursued acting after a chance encounter with actor Richard Burton, leading him to Hollywood where he struggled with acting classes, odd jobs, and auditions until breaking into the industry in the 1980s.
Film Career
Costner's career breakthrough came with "The Untouchables" in 1987 and was solidified with "Dances with Wolves" in 1990, earning him two Academy Awards. Though technically making his debut with "Sizzle Beach, U.S.A.," released in 1981, his first major role was in "The Touch" (1983). He appeared in various films like "Table for Five" and "Testament" in 1983, and many others throughout the 1980s, including a commercial for Apple.
His acclaimed performances in "Bull Durham" (1988) and "Field of Dreams" (1989) established him as a top actor. In 1990, along with producer Jim Wilson, he formed Tig Productions, beginning with "Dances with Wolves." More hits followed such as "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" (1991), "JFK" (1991), and "The Bodyguard" (1992).
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Although later films like "Waterworld" (1995) and "The Postman" (1997) received poor responses, films like "Tin Cup" (1996), "Thirteen Days" (2000), and "Mr. Brooks" (2007) showcased his enduring talent. Kevin also led the miniseries "Hatfields & McCoys" (2012) on the History Channel, drawing record viewers. Since 2018, he has been starring in "Yellowstone."
Business Interests
In 2004, Costner opened Tatanka: The Story of the Bison near Deadwood, South Dakota, to educate visitors on western expansion. He invested in Deadwood’s Midnight Star Casino but faced legal battles after firing the managers, leading to a ruling where he had to buy out the managers.
Personal Life
Costner married Cindy Silva in 1978, and they had three children. The couple divorced in 1994, with Kevin reportedly paying an $80 million divorce settlement. Kevin also dated Bridget Rooney, with whom he has a son. His additional relationships include Birgit Cunningham and Elle Macpherson. In 2004, he married Christine Baumgartner, and they have three children together.
Divorce Settlements
Kevin paid Cindy Silva $80 million in a divorce settlement in the 1990s, equivalent to $160 million today. In May 2023, Christine Baumgartner filed for divorce. Initially not requesting spousal support due to a prenup, she later requested $250,000 monthly support in June 2023. She claimed their family's 2022 expenses were $6.6 million, including $2 million for property maintenance.
Kevin’s yearly earnings include $1.2 million per episode for "Yellowstone," significant rental income from properties, and other earnings totalling $19.5 million in 2022. Major expenses involved maintaining their Aspen and Carpinteria properties, with detailed expenses amounting to nearly $6 million.
Real Estate
Costner owns extensive real estate across the U.S. including a 160-acre property in Aspen, Colorado, which he rents out at $30,000 per night, and several properties in Carpinteria, California including a 17-acre ocean-facing undeveloped plot.
His Carpinteria estate was pieced together over decades, including a 10-acre property attempted for sale in 2017 for $60 million. Here’s a video tour of their property:
