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 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.
A Recovered Swinger
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 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.”
Love and Family
The man who had a tumultuous marriage and bumpy midlife experience said, “I have never wanted to be afraid in my life, but after my divorce, I was. The pain of that experience had been so strong that I never wanted to go through it ever again.” But the experience taught him a new lesson.
“Sometimes, you learn the thing you’re most afraid of will save your life,” Costner mused. And with almost two decades together and three wonderful children alongside his drop-dead gorgeous wife, things are good. She definitely saved his life and is proud to have such a loving and committed man.