Interviewer: Kevin, thank you so much for joining us. You’ve had an extraordinary career, and now with this new project, it seems you’re diving even deeper. Let’s start with what you meant by the phrase, “I left my heart.”
Kevin Costner: Thanks for having me. You know, I’ve always been drawn to projects that speak to a part of my soul. When I say “I left my heart,” it’s about those roles and experiences that resonate deeply, the ones you carry with you long after the camera stops rolling. They leave a mark on you, and you hope you’ve left a mark in return.
Interviewer: Do you feel that connection with each of your roles?
Kevin Costner: Not always, honestly. But every now and then, you find a character or a story that demands all of you. It becomes more than just a job; it becomes a journey. For me, it’s been less about finding fame and more about leaving something meaningful behind. I want my work to stand the test of time, to be part of someone else’s story.
Interviewer: You’re known for roles that explore the American spirit. How does that resonate with your sense of self?
Kevin Costner: Growing up, I was captivated by the idea of what it meant to be American—not just the freedom, but the responsibility that comes with it. Films like Dances with Wolves were opportunities for me to honor that, to bring pieces of history alive and reflect on who we are, the mistakes we’ve made, and how we can do better.
Interviewer: Speaking of Dances with Wolves, it’s been over 30 years since its release. Looking back, what does it mean to you now?
Kevin Costner: That film changed my life. I didn’t just act in it—I directed it, and that experience taught me so much. The response to it was beyond anything I could have imagined. I remember stepping onto the plains with the cast and crew and feeling that sense of something larger than myself. It’s one of those rare projects where I truly left a piece of my heart.
Interviewer: You’re also a musician. Do you find that same kind of fulfillment in music?
Kevin Costner: Absolutely. Music allows me to tell stories in a different way. It’s more personal, raw, and immediate. My band, Modern West, has been a real passion project. When I’m on stage, there’s no filter, no script—it’s just us and the audience, sharing a moment. That’s something I can’t quite get on a film set.
Interviewer: You’ve accomplished so much. Is there anything left you feel compelled to do?
Kevin Costner: There’s always more to explore. I want to keep finding stories that challenge me, that give me a reason to dig deeper. Leaving a legacy isn’t about the number of films; it’s about the impact of the stories. I want people to look back at my work and feel like they knew me, like we shared a piece of something real.
Interviewer: Thank you, Kevin. It’s been wonderful to hear about your journey and what lies ahead.
Kevin Costner: Thank you. I appreciate the chance to look back and share it all.
