Kevin Costner Reflects on School Struggles and Passion for History in New Series

Kevin Costner Opens Up About His Early Years

In a recent promotion for his latest project, Kevin Costner shared insights about his formative years, describing himself as a “dumbbell” during his school days. This candid admission reveals how he persevered despite feeling out of place in the education system, ultimately following his passion for American history and the story of the West.

Lessons Learned from Childhood

While discussing his upbringing, Costner noted, “I don’t know, the advice thing, I’d like them to see how I do my work. I take it seriously. I’m a public school guy. I was often not at the wrong end of the bell curve. There was too much math, and there was not enough history. And I was made to feel like a dumbbell.” These reflections highlight the challenges he faced in an academic environment that did not resonate with his interests.

He went on to explain how students who struggle in subjects like math often face harsh labels. Costner wants young people to recognize their potential beyond traditional metrics of success. He encourages them to pursue their passions and not let economic pressures dictate their choices. “I hope they can find that yellow brick road, you know, to land on it and have the courage to go forward and don’t let the economics drive their decisions in their lives. Find what they love,” he advised.

A Family Man’s Journey

As a father of seven, Costner brings his life experiences into his parenting style, believing in leading by example. He shares three children—Annie, 41, Lily, 38, and Joe, 37—with ex-wife Cindy Silva and has a son, Liam, 28, with ex-girlfriend Bridget Rooney. Additionally, he and estranged wife Christine Baumgartner welcomed three children: Cayden, 18, Hayes, 16, and Grace, 14. Baumgartner, a designer, filed for divorce from Costner in May 2023, ending an 18-year marriage.

Costner’s approach to parenting often involves indulgence. During an interview, he humorously remarked about his dog Bob and his relationship with his kids. “Bob just stands there with a dish in his mouth. He’s like that. So, it’s like I can deal with him. I can shame him. I can’t shame my kids who want the keys to the car. They just rule me,” he chuckled.

Behind the Scenes of ‘The West’

Costner serves as an executive producer and narrator for the History Channel’s upcoming series, “The West,” alongside Doris Kearns Goodwin. This eight-part documentary offers a fresh perspective on the American West, focusing on the struggles for land and how these historical events continue to shape modern America.

Goodwin praised Costner, stating she knew he would be the perfect fit for this role due to his deep spiritual connection to the West. She emphasized that his enthusiasm is truly contagious, making him an engaging storyteller.

Sports and History: A Shared Certainty

In discussing his passion for sports, Costner drew parallels between the certainty of athletic events and the history of the American West. He explained, “I’ve always felt that I like sports, OK? I’m a sports guy. You and I know the score, right? There’s nobody can bulls— us about who won. There’s something honest about the sports page. It’s not dishonest. We find out who won, right?” This perspective adds depth to his narrative approach in “The West.”

Costner pointed out that while history can sometimes appear nebulous, the outcomes in sports are clear. He challenges viewers to reflect on the harsh realities of life in the West, highlighting the resourcefulness required to survive in such a challenging environment.

Understanding the Difficulties of Life in the West

“When we think about the West, if we think about it really honestly, we say it was a dangerous place,” he noted. Costner described how groups of people ventured into the unknown, often facing dire circumstances. The history of the West is filled with stories of humanity at its best and worst, revealing both resilience and vulnerability.

He concluded, “They went in groups, and they sometimes perished as groups, and their humanity was alive. And their worst tendencies came out, and their best tendencies came out.” This reflection emphasizes how history shapes human character and societal development.

Anticipating the Premiere

Fans of Costner can look forward to the premiere of “The West” on the History Channel on Memorial Day, May 27. This series promises to provide a compelling exploration of the American frontier, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a critical chapter of history through Costner’s unique lens.