Things changed. Instead of bragging about his singles lifestyle, Costner is now boasting about his kids’ accomplishments and gifts. He revealed this side of himself in a 2007 interview with Good Housekeeping. He said he doesn’t pick favorites, but he revealed, “[I’ve] always been really close to my girls”.
Going on, “All of my kids are showered with love.” Fatherhood comes as natural to Costner as success and acting. Just as it did during his first marriage when he had that “squeaky-clean, Mr. perfect” reputation.
A Father of Seven Kids
In 2009, the new Costner family was blessed with a second child. Their second son Hayes was two years younger than his big brother. Then came their daughter, Grace, born in 2010. Family life treated the couple well.
In 2011, Costner shared his perspective about his family saying, “They’re really good children and I see them making steps every day, and the one thing I pray for in life is not success but being able to raise my children and that nothing happens to me in the next 20 years.” With his first three from his marriage with Cindy grown, and adding his son Liam with Bridget Rooney, Costner was now the father of seven children.
A Reason to Live
It’s complicated being an older dad. When your kids are born and you are already in your 60s, it’s something to consider. “I want it to be me who tells them about the secrets, the beauty, the treachery, and everything that is in life. I don’t want them to learn from someone else,” Costner lamented.
His sentiments reveal his commitment to family and, for Baumgartner, a true sign that he has completely reformed from his swinging singles days.
Back to Hollywood
Family life is a huge commitment, but as the kids grow it becomes easier to get back to work. So, in 2013, Costner did just that when he took the role of Jonathan Kent in 'Man of Steel'. He had to be sure. He talked about making the film saying, “I won’t make a movie unless I have the ability to do it the way I want, so I hold my breath for a very long time,” Costner said.
“At this point in my life, I don’t want to make a movie I don’t want to make or one that somehow gets manipulated in a way I don’t feel comfortable with.” With all the success he has achieved, he has the luxury to be picky.
A Fulfilling Life
Making movies has been very fulfilling for Costner, but fatherhood is a close second. In his words, “Movies are magic, and they’ve always been magic to me. You get to play heroes in the movies, but there’s a moment in time where you’re just a father and you get to go home. "
Costner added, "I have played two roles in my life, one I get paid to do, which is the movies, and the other one is being a father, for which I’ll be rewarded my whole life.”