Actor Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner have called it quits after 18 years together as husband and wife. The couple, who tied the knot in 2004, share three children.
Interestingly, Kevin was initially hesitant to expand his family, despite being a father of four from a previous marriage. However, he overcame his fear and had three more children with Christine.
Dad-of-7 Hesitated to Have More Kids in His 50s
Kevin, known for his roles in iconic movies like “Dances with Wolves” and “The Bodyguard,” is a successful actor and a loving father of seven. However, he had initial reservations about expanding his family in his 50s.
The 19-years-younger Christine wanted to have children with Kevin, and in a 2008 interview, the actor admitted:
“I was afraid I couldn’t be an effective father.”
Kevin explained that he woke up one day and realized he didn’t want to lose Christine over his fear of having more children. He overcame his hesitations and embraced fatherhood again, welcoming his fifth child, Cayden, at 52.
Despite his concerns, Kevin spends time with his children, playing with them and teaching them to be independent. He revealed he was like any other mother or father trying to figure out parenthood.
The icon also shared some comical advice when asked what he had learned in his decades of being a dad. He joked:
“I can fake like I’m asleep longer, so I don’t have to do as many diapers.”
Who Are Kevin’s Kids, including His Eldest Ones?
After his first marriage ended, Kevin admitted that his faith “was shaken” due to the breakdown of his relationship. He expressed that “no one wants their marriage to end,” and the experience profoundly impacted him.
Kevin further acknowledged that not being able to see his children as much as he wanted was a significant loss that he had to come to terms with.
He has seven children, three from his first marriage to Cindy Silva, one from a brief relationship with Bridget Rooney, and three from his union with his second wife.
Kevin’s eldest child, Annie Costner, was born in 1984 and has followed in her father’s footsteps by appearing in films like “Dances With Wolves.” She also co-founded Sound Off Films in 2014.
Lily Costner, the second child, was born in 1986 and is a talented singer like her father. Joe Costner, born in 1988, works behind the scenes in the entertainment industry as an audio engineer and production sound mixer.
Kevin’s lesser-known child, Liam Costner, was born in 1996 from a brief relationship he was in. The son prefers to keep a low profile.
Despite Kevin’s Past Fear That Christine Would Leave Him, She Still Did It 18 Years Later
The actor’s past fears that Christine would leave him eventually came true. Kevin and his wife, Christine, have filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage. Although it is unclear what led to the split, Christine cited “irreconcilable differences.”
Kevin’s representative has released a statement saying that “circumstances beyond his control” have resulted in his having to participate in the divorce action.
The couple shares three children, and both have filed for joint custody. Christine has not asked for spousal support, while Kevin’s response states that support will be paid according to the terms of their premarital agreement.
The divorce news has received mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment, while others suppose it’s beneficial for his wife, given that Kevin is significantly older than her.