Kevin Costner has been a household name since the 1980s, rising from popular roles in hit films to dominating TV screens with his role in Yellowstone. With a net worth of $250 million in 2024, Costner is among Hollywood’s wealthiest actors. His wealth isn’t just from acting—Costner has expanded into music, business, and even owned a casino. Let’s take a closer look at how he built his substantial fortune and what keeps his income growing.
A Hollywood Star with Decades of Success
Costner’s journey began in the 1980s, quickly catapulting him to fame with iconic movies like Dances with Wolves, which he directed, starred in, and won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. Since then, his box office hits have consistently contributed to his net worth. One of his highest-grossing films, The Bodyguard (1992), earned over $411 million worldwide. Another popular film, Message in a Bottle (1999), brought in $118 million globally. These movies established him as a top Hollywood actor and set the stage for his decades-long career.
Earning Big on ‘Yellowstone’
When Costner joined the cast of Yellowstone, he was already a well-known star, but this role marked a new era of his career. Costner plays John Dutton, the head of a powerful ranching family in the American West. Initially, he earned $500,000 per episode, but as the series became one of the most-watched shows, his pay increased significantly to $1.3 million per episode. This dramatic pay hike underscores his value to the show and helped further boost his income.
Beyond Acting: Kevin’s Music and Business Ventures
Costner has diversified his income streams over the years, extending beyond film and television into other areas. One of his lesser-known ventures is his music career. Costner is the lead singer of Kevin Costner & Modern West, a country-rock band that began touring in 2007. The band has released several albums, including Tales From Yellowstone, featuring songs inspired by his Yellowstone character.
In addition to his music, Costner has been involved in various business ventures. One notable project was his ownership of the Midnight Star Casino & Restaurant in Deadwood, South Dakota. He owned this casino for many years before selling it in 2020. He also started a film production company, TIG Productions, which allowed him to work on projects as a producer, further enhancing his earnings.
Impact of Divorce on Costner’s Wealth
In 2023, Costner faced a publicized divorce from Christine Baumgartner, his wife of 18 years. The legal proceedings included disputes over child support and prenuptial terms. Initially, Christine sought over $200,000 per month in child support, which was reduced to around $129,000 per month during negotiations. According to court documents, Costner’s income in 2022 exceeded $19 million, with family expenses above $6 million. Though the couple ultimately settled their divorce, the financial impact was significant, but it’s unlikely to drastically affect Costner’s overall wealth due to his steady income from multiple sources.
Costner’s Financial Snapshot
- Net Worth (2024): $250 million
- Top Earning Projects: The Bodyguard, Message in a Bottle
- ‘Yellowstone’ Salary: Increased from $500,000 to $1.3 million per episode
- Other Ventures: Lead singer of Kevin Costner & Modern West, former owner of Midnight Star Casino, owner of TIG Productions
Despite challenges, Kevin Costner remains one of Hollywood’s wealthiest actors, with diverse sources of income that continue to grow his fortune.
