19 Roles to remember Kevin Costner by, as the actor turns 70

As Kevin Costner turns 70, it's a fitting moment to celebrate his illustrious career in Hollywood. Costner has been in Hollywood for over four decades and has given many memorable performances. From his early days in Silverado to his authoritative presence in The Untouchables and his directorial accomplishment Dance With Wolves, he has shown incredible range as an artist. Most recently, his work in Yellowstone has captivated the viewers once again. Here is a list of 19 roles to remember Kevin Costner by, as the actor turns 70.

19) Mr. Brooks (2007)

Mr. Brooks is a psychological thriller directed by Bruce A Evans. It follows the story of a Businessman Earl Brooks, played by Kevin Costner, who is also a serious killer. Costner showed his acting prowess by playing a person who lived a double life. The film also stars Demi Moore as a police officer who tries to catch Costner's Brooks.

18) Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is created by Tom Clancy, the author of the Jack Ryan series. Based on the original story by Clancy, the film follows Jack Ryan, a C.I.A. analyst. Kevin Costner plays Thomas Harper, a veteran CIA official, who becomes the mentor of Chris Pine's Jack Ryan, helping him crack the Russian plot through his wisdom and steadfast support.

17) The Highwaymen (2019)

John Lee Hancock directed this Netflix Crime thriller written by John Fusco, known for films like Young Guns and Crossroads. Starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault who are trying to capture criminal outlaws of the 1930s, Bonni Parker and Clyde Barrow. The movie is a slow burner with exceptional performances by Costner and Harrelson.

16) Field of Dreams (1989)

Apart from crime and thriller movies, Costner has been part of several other genres. Like his film Field Of Dreams, a sports drama where Costner plays the role of a farmer Ray Kinsella, who builds a baseball field in his corn farm attracting ghosts of Baseball legends. Costner captures the essence of a simple but ambitious man with his sincerity and passion that was loved by the audience.

15) Molly's Game (2017)

The directorial debut of Aaron Sorkin, Molly's Game is a biographical movie adapted from the memoir of Molly Bloom. Kevin Costner plays the role of Larry Bloom, the father of Jessica Chastain's Molly Bloom. A clinical Psychologist by profession, Costner's Larry is a strict father who wants his daughter to excel in sports and academics. Costner's portrayal adds depth to the complicated father-daughter relationship making it a must-watch.

14) Thirteen Days (2000)

Directed by Roger Donaldson, Thirteen Days follows the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Kevin Costner plays the character of Kenneth P. O'Donnell, an advisor to Bruce Greenwood's John F Kennedy. Costner's O'Donnell appears to be a special confidant to Greenwood's Kennedy in this historical drama, capturing the sense of immense pressure and urgency of the situation through his performance.

13) McFarland, USA (2015)

Another sports drama, Mcfarland, USA, directed by Niki Caro, shows Kevin Costner in the role of a high school cross country coach, Jim White. Based on a true story, Costner's portrayal of White showcases his character's dedication, perseverance, and cultural sensitivity, inspiring his team to overcome difficulty and achieve greatness.

12) Man of Steel (2013)

From the ace director Zack Snyder, Man Of Steel follows the story of Superman/Clark Kent, played by Henry Cavill, as he discovers the source of his powers. Kevin Costner plays the character of Jonathan Kent, Clark's adoptive father. In this role, Costner brings warmth and authenticity, conveying the complexities of a father's love and the weight of keeping Clark's extraordinary abilities a secret.

11) The Untouchables (1987)

In Brian De Palma's 1987 film The Untouchables, Kevin Costner played Eliot Ness, a federal agent tasked with taking down notorious gangster Al Capone, played by Robert De Niro. Costner's portrayal of Ness brings a sense of integrity and determination, as he assembles a team of agents, including Jim Malone (Sean Connery) and Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), to bring Capone to justice.

10) The Bodyguard (1992)

In the 1992 film, The Bodyguard, directed by Mick Jackson, Kevin Costner plays the role of Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent hired to protect pop star Rachel Marron, played by Whitney Houston, from a stalker. In this iconic role, Costner shows the stoic and determined personality of a bodyguard complimenting Houston's charismatic screen presence.

9) Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, in this 1992 film, Kevin Costner plays the titular role of Robin Hood. Costner brought freshness and ruggedness to the iconic Robin Hood, making this one of his most memorable roles. Apart from Costner, the movie had a stellar ensemble cast that added to its appeal.

8) Message In A Bottle (1999)

Message In A Bottle is directed by Luis Mandoki and is based on Nicholas Sparks's novel of the same name. This romance flick showed Kevin Costner don the role of Garret Blake, a widower, who writes letters to his deceased wife and casts them in the sea. One of the letters is found by Robin Wright's character Theresa Osborne, who impressed by Garret's words sets out to find him. Costner brings sensitivity and depth to the role, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption.

7) The Upside of Anger (2005)

Directed by Mike Bender, in The Upside of Anger, Kevin Costner played Denny Davies, a former baseball player and friend of the Wolfmeyer family. As the family navigates the challenges of suburban life, Denny becomes a confidant and potential love interest for Joan Allen's Terry Ann Wolfmeyer, a mother struggling to cope with her husband's disappearance. Costner brings warmth and humor to the role, adding depth to the film's exploration of family dynamics.

6) Hidden Figures (2016)

Directed by Theodore Melfi, based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, it follows three African-American women who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Kevin Costner played the role of Al Harrison, the head of the Space Task Group at NASA. He is depicted as someone who values talent and efficiency above all else, regardless of race or gender. Costner's portrayal brings a strong sense of authenticity and gravitas to the film, making Harrison a memorable and impactful character.

5) Tin Cup (1996)

Directed by Ron Shelton, this sports drama follows the story of Roy McAvoy(a golf prodigy), also known as Tin Cup and portrayed by Kevin Costner. Roy's life is turned upside down when he tries to qualify for the U.S. Open to impress his love interest, Molly Griswold (Rene Russo), and prove himself as a golfer. Costner brings humor and charm to the role, exploring themes of redemption and love. Costner even earned a Golden Globe nomination for this role.

4) JFK (1991)

This Best Picture Oscar nominee was directed by Oliver Stone. Kevin Costner played Jim Garrison, the New Orleans district attorney who investigated the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Costner's portrayal of Garrison brings a sense of conviction and determination, as he pursues a conspiracy theory despite facing opposition and criticism. Director Oliver Stone's film explores Garrison's quest for truth and justice.

3) Hatfields And McCoys (2012)

In the miniseries directed by Kevin Reynolds, Kevin Costner played the character of William Anderson Hatfield, the leader of the Hatfield clan. The series dramatizes the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys, which spanned several decades in the late 19th century. Costner's portrayal of Hatfield captures the character's rugged determination, fierce loyalty to his family, and the complexities of leading a feud that shaped his legacy, earning him an Emmy Award for his performance.

2) Dances With Wolves (1990)

Dances With Wolves is Kevin Costner's directorial debut. He played the role of Lieutenant John J. Dunbar, a Union Army officer who befriends a tribe of Lakota Native Americans. As Dunbar learns their ways and language, he becomes conflicted between his loyalty to the US Army and his growing connection to the tribe, particularly a woman named Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell) and the tribe's leader, Ten Bears(Floyd Westerman). Costner earned two Academy Awards for this movie.

1) Yellowstone (2018-2024)

Paramount's hit series Yellowstone, follows the story of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, a sixth-generation patriarch of the Dutton family, who owns the biggest and largest contiguous ranch in the United States. Costner's performance captures the character's complexity, blending a rugged exterior with moments of vulnerability. His portrayal of John Dutton has been central to the show's success.