At an age when most might slow down, Kevin Costner, the iconic Hollywood star, continues to defy expectations. On February 7, 2025, at the U.S. premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the 70-year-old actor, director, and producer turned the red carpet into his personal stage. With an effortless blend of rugged charm, seasoned confidence, and undeniable charisma, Costner left onlookers spellbound, proving that his star power remains as potent as it was decades ago when he first captivated audiences in films like The Untouchables and Dances with Wolves. Accompanied by three of his seven children, Costner’s appearance was not just a celebration of his latest cinematic endeavor but a testament to his enduring appeal and deep-rooted family values.

A Red Carpet Moment to Remember

The Santa Barbara premiere was a glittering affair, but all eyes were on Costner as he stepped onto the red carpet. Dressed in a sharp, navy blue windowpane three-piece suit by Brioni, he exuded sophistication with a touch of Western flair—a nod to his lifelong love for the American frontier. His salt-and-pepper hair and warm smile only added to his magnetic presence, making it clear why he’s been dubbed Hollywood’s “forever crush” by fans like Kristin Cavallari. Costner’s children—Grace (14), Cayden (17), and Hayes (15)—joined him, each dressed impeccably, with Grace in a floral strapless minidress and her brothers in stylish collared shirts and trousers. The family’s unity and elegance amplified the moment, showcasing Costner not just as a star but as a devoted father.

The crowd’s reaction was electric. Photographers scrambled for shots, fans gasped, and social media buzzed with admiration. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with users marveling at how Costner, at 70, seemed to defy time. One user wrote, “Kevin Costner at 70 is still stealing hearts on the red carpet. That man’s charisma is unreal!” Another noted, “He’s got that old-school Hollywood glow—nobody does it like Costner.” The premiere wasn’t just about the film; it was a celebration of Costner’s ability to command attention, a skill honed over a career spanning more than four decades.

The Man Behind the Magic

Born on January 18, 1955, in Lynwood, California, Kevin Michael Costner has built a legacy that few can rival. The youngest of three boys, he grew up in Compton, where his parents, welfare worker Sharon and electrician William Costner, instilled a strong work ethic. His early years were marked by frequent moves due to his father’s job, which left Costner shy and introspective. Yet, it was this dreamer’s spirit that led him to acting after a chance encounter with Richard Burton on a flight in 1978. Burton’s advice to pursue a life free of drama resonated with Costner, who graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a business degree before diving into Hollywood.

Costner’s breakout came in 1985 with Silverado, followed by a string of hits like The Untouchables (1987), Bull Durham (1988), and Field of Dreams (1989). His directorial debut, Dances with Wolves (1990), won him two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, cementing his status as a cinematic titan. Over the years, he’s starred in classics like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), The Bodyguard (1992), and, more recently, the TV series Yellowstone, where his portrayal of John Dutton earned him a Golden Globe. His latest project, Horizon: An American Saga, is a passion-driven Western epic that he’s poured $38 million of his own money into, showcasing his unwavering commitment to storytelling.

Horizon: An American Saga—A Labor of Love

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, the focus of the Santa Barbara premiere, is the second installment of Costner’s ambitious four-part Western series. The project, which he co-wrote, directed, and stars in, explores the expansion of the American West during the Civil War era. The first chapter premiered at Cannes in May 2024, receiving an 11-minute standing ovation, though it faced mixed box-office results. Undeterred, Costner pushed forward, with the second chapter debuting at Venice and Santa Barbara to critical praise for its emotional depth and stunning visuals. The film features a star-studded cast, including Sienna Miller, Luke Wilson, and Costner’s son Hayes, who makes his acting debut.

During a panel at the festival, Costner emphasized the human elements of Horizon, focusing on emotional authenticity over traditional Western tropes like gunfights. “It’s the little things in our life that catch us, that we never forget,” he said, highlighting his approach to crafting memorable cinematic moments. His dedication to the project, despite financial risks, underscores his belief in its story. “I love Hollywood—I’m a romantic about what we can be,” he told the audience, a sentiment that echoes his lifelong passion for the craft.

A Family Man at Heart

Costner’s red carpet appearance with his children was a poignant reminder of his role as a father. He shares three adult children—Annie (40), Lily (38), and Joe (37)—with ex-wife Cindy Silva, a son, Liam (28), with former partner Bridget Rooney, and three younger children—Cayden, Hayes, and Grace—with ex-wife Christine Baumgartner. Despite his 2023 divorce from Baumgartner after 18 years, Costner remains deeply connected to his kids. In November 2024, he shared a Thanksgiving photo with six of them, captioning it, “At the top of my ‘grateful for’ list are the many really, really special memories I’ve gotten to make with my kids this year.”

His bond with his children is evident in their support at premieres, from Cannes to Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Annie and Lily, both actors, have appeared in Costner’s films, while Hayes’ role in Horizon marks a new generation carrying the family legacy. Costner’s parenting philosophy, as shared in a 2022 interview, emphasizes presence: “You’ve got to get down on the ground and play with them.” This hands-on approach has fostered a close-knit family, even amidst his demanding career.

Defying Age with Vitality

At 70, Costner’s youthful energy is remarkable. He attributes his vigor to staying active—whether horseback riding at his Aspen ranch, chasing his kids, or immersing himself in creative projects. “If you can stay interested in what you’re doing, it will keep you younger,” he’s said. His recent public appearances, from flirting with Sharon Stone at an L.A. event to sparking dating rumors with Hoda Kotb and Jennifer Lopez, show he’s still a romantic at heart. Yet, a source close to Costner told People in January 2025 that he’s “not looking” for serious romance, focusing instead on family and work.

His fitness routine, dubbed the “Daddy Workout,” involves keeping up with his children’s energy. Whether driving them to volleyball practice or exploring tide pools at his Santa Barbara compound, Costner embraces movement. This lifestyle, combined with his passion for storytelling, keeps him vibrant. As he told Us Weekly, “Being engaged in what you do will sustain you.”

The Costner Charm: Timeless and Unmatched

What makes Costner’s red carpet moment so captivating is his ability to blend rugged masculinity with emotional depth. His green eyes, which Richard Burton once noted, still sparkle with intensity. His career, spanning indie films like Sizzle Beach, U.S.A. (1981) to blockbusters like Man of Steel (2013), reflects a versatility that keeps him relevant. His music career with Kevin Costner & Modern West, where he’s the lead singer, adds another layer to his multifaceted persona.

The Santa Barbara premiere was more than a film event; it was a celebration of Costner’s enduring legacy. As he stood with his children, basking in the crowd’s adoration, he embodied the cowboy spirit he’s chased since childhood—a dreamer who never stops pursuing his passions. With Horizon chapters three and four in development, Costner shows no signs of slowing down. As he wrote on Instagram for his 70th birthday, “Here’s to another year of keeping our sights set on our dreams.”

In an industry obsessed with youth, Kevin Costner proves that true star power transcends age. At 70, he’s not just surviving—he’s thriving, captivating, and inspiring. The red carpet may have been the stage, but Costner’s life—rich with family, art, and ambition—is the real masterpiece.