Kevin Michael Costner was born on January 18, 1955, under the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Costner’s fans may remember him as Frank Farmer in the 1992 romantic thriller—The Bodyguard, with the incomparable Whitney Houston as his leading lady.

Costner’s debut film was Sizzle Beach, U.S.A. (also known as Hot Malibu Summer), which was originally released in 1981. Even though it was a low-budget indie movie, and the actor had a minor role, it was a humble beginning to an otherwise successful showbiz career.

Silverado, 1985

After Sizzle Beach, U.S.A, young Costner didn’t immediately get cast until he had his break in The Big Chill (1983), directed by Lawrence Kasdan of Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and The Bodyguard fame. Although most of the SAG Award winner’s scenes were unused, Kasdan noticed the actor’s potential and gave him a role as one of the main characters in his American Western classic in 1985—Silverado.

The ’80s Western also starred Scott Glenn (The Hunt for Red October, 1990), Kevin Kline (Dave, 1993), and Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, 1987). Costner played Jake, one of the misfit cowboys brought together by Scott Glenn’s character, Emmet. Together, they went to Silverado for fortune and glory. Spoiler: The quartet ends up being unlikely heroes to the unsuspecting town.

Costner sat down with Sony Pictures and revealed that his biggest fear as an actor was the kissing scene. He said that if he couldn’t make it work, then he’s not a good actor. He also explained that his character couldn’t relate to anyone but the horizon of the west and was a really big character to portray. Kevin’s loyal fans would surely agree, however, that he did just fine.

According to Costner, it took a very crafted filmmaker like Kasdan to get the four guys riding together on their horses to look genuine, capturing the moment and making it memorable for a contemporary audience.

Rottentomatoes.com rates Silverado fresh with 77%, a critics consensus of being a rare example of how an ’80s Hollywestern should be done. Lawrence Kasdan bagged a Venice Film Festival Award for the Young Venice Award – Special Mention in 1985 and also received Academy Award nominations for Best Music, Original Score, and Best Sound in 1986. 

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