Before Kevin Costner became a household name through his iconic roles in projects like “Yellowstone,” “Dances With Wolves,” and others, the roots of his journey traced back to a humble church stage. Costner reminisced about his early acting experiences during a recent interview about his upcoming two-hour special, “Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas,” premiering tomorrow.
“I was about 4 years old when I was selected to be a shepherd in our church’s yearly Nativity,” Costner shared. “It would be my acting debut, and I would have one line: ‘Hark!’” This poignant memory serves as a fitting backdrop for the holiday special, which interlaces the narrative of Jesus’ birth with insights from experts and reflective commentary from Costner himself.
Costner expressed a deep enthusiasm for undertaking this project, likening the experience to being “lit up like a Christmas tree.” He emphasized the duality of the holiday season, where joy often meets frustration. “We all think we know the story,” he stated. “We all wait for this time of year and then we get mad at it too.” He speaks to the pressures that come with the festive period, highlighting the challenge of balancing joy with the chaos that often accompanies the season.
With warmth and sincerity, Costner extended an invitation to those who may not share his beliefs, urging them to engage with the special. “I’m sure I’m going to confront the cynics and the nonbelievers, who I invite them to sit down, too,” he said. “They can feel how they feel. But I was really happy. This gave me pleasure to do it.”
The church that Costner references, where his family laid a strong foundation during the 1950s, encapsulated much of his early life. “Our friends came from the church,” he recalled, describing its centrality to their lives. Both his grandmother and mother played pivotal roles in the church, with his mother, Sharon, also appearing in a couple of his films before her passing. “I loved watching my mom sing,” Costner reflected. “I wish I could see her sing now.”
The influence of faith is a recurring theme in Costner’s life. He finds solace in believing, even during difficult times. “These fantastic stories of faith and of believing, it’s nice to believe in something,” he said. The actor draws strength from his faith during personal and professional tumult, including the challenges he has faced in recent years.
In 2023, Costner navigated the complexities of divorce from his second wife, Christine Baumgartner, after nearly two decades of marriage. Professionally, he is grappling with setbacks related to his ambitious project, “Horizon: An American Saga,” particularly concerning delays in its release and difficulties in securing financing.
Costner acknowledges the emotional toll these experiences can take. “I’ve had tremendous ups, and I have been bruised equally,” he commented, reflecting on the challenges he has faced. He took a moment to share his internal dialogue with God, expressing a desire for more immediate answers. “But we live with faith, so we’re going to be tested. It’s just we’re tested all the time,” he concluded, highlighting the resilience that his beliefs provide him as he continues to navigate both the peaks and valleys of life.
As viewers prepare for “The First Christmas,” Costner’s reflections on faith, community, and the holiday spirit resonate deeply, illustrating not just a celebration of a pivotal story, but a personal journey intertwined with the values instilled in him during his formative years.
