- FBI season 7 isn’t new tonight, but we know when it will be back
- CBS Spoils Jubal’s Fate After His FBI Season 8 Unfortunate Suspension (& It’s A Relief)
- FBI Season 7 Images Reveal Most Wanted’s Return With Emotional Nina & Scola Moments
Kevin Costner Reflects on Balancing Family Life and Playing John Dutton on Yellowstone
For Kevin Costner, starring as John Dutton on Paramount Network’s Yellowstone has been both a rewarding and challenging experience. While the show has gained immense popularity since its debut, Costner has been open about the personal sacrifices he has made to bring the Dutton family patriarch to life. As a devoted husband and father, the role demands a careful balancing act between his career and his family.
Initially, Costner wasn’t fully aware of the time commitment Yellowstone would require. Creator Taylor Sheridan originally pitched the series to him as a “long movie,” which appealed to Costner’s background in film. However, the project quickly evolved into a multi-season television series with 10 episodes per season. Despite having previous television experience with the critically acclaimed Hatfields & McCoys miniseries, transitioning to a full-time series like Yellowstone presented new challenges for the Academy Award-winning actor.
Reflecting on his journey with the show, Costner admits that the pace of filming a TV series was initially an adjustment. Over time, though, he has found similarities between his work on movies and his role in the show. “The work is the same for me,” he explains. “The days are the same. They’re always long, they start early, and they go late.”
While Costner has grown accustomed to the demands of the job, there is one aspect of filming that remains difficult: being away from his family. As the series is filmed on location in Montana, traveling home is not a simple task. “This year, we’re filming exclusively in Montana, which makes going home almost impossible. When you deal with two airplanes, it’s all-day travel,” Costner shares. For a devoted family man, the distance from his wife, Christine Baumgartner, and his seven children weighs heavily.
The 65-year-old actor has always placed a high value on family. During his acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, he credited his children for inspiring him throughout his career. He expressed gratitude for their understanding and resilience as he often left for long periods to work on films. “All the years, all the tears saying goodbye at airports as I headed off to do yet another movie,” he recalled. “My children have always been bigger than the movies. They’ve always been more important.”
Despite the challenges, Costner remains deeply committed to his role on Yellowstone. The series allows him to immerse himself in the history and culture of the American West, something he has always appreciated. Filming in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes, is a meaningful experience for him. “I feast on that type of history,” Costner says, reflecting on the connection he feels to the region and its significance to the show’s storytelling.
As Yellowstone continues to thrive, with the potential to run for six seasons, Costner is prepared to find ways to make it work for both his career and his family. While he acknowledges the challenges of juggling his professional and personal life, he remains optimistic. “I have plans on how I want to play out the second half of my career,” he says, emphasizing that Yellowstone will remain an important part of his journey.
Through it all, Costner’s passion for storytelling and his dedication to his loved ones remain central to his life. Whether he’s portraying a complex character like John Dutton or spending time with his family, Costner’s commitment to both his craft and his role as a father continues to shine. As Yellowstone captures the hearts of audiences around the world, fans can appreciate the sacrifices and dedication that go into creating the captivating story of the Dutton family—and the actor at its helm.
