How many Hollywood icons still empty their accounts for their beliefs? Who else has made so many classics and won an Oscar for Best Director? In this interview, Costner radiates the calm assurance of someone unfazed by doubt. Yet he never comes across as self-righteous. Instead, he explains his choices openly, considers every objection, and shows himself as a deeply genuine man and true star.

SETTE: You turned 70 this year. Do you actually feel old?

Kevin Costner: I know I’m not young anymore, but I don’t mind entering this new cycle of life. I now have so much experience to draw from.

But you don’t have endless time left…

Sure, at first glance, it looks limited. But I subtract the first 18 to 20 years of my life, when I was just learning – like we all do. Now I’m fully formed. I know how to handle things. If I take care of myself, I have many more years ahead to use what I’ve learned and keep moving forward.

You are known for being patient. Your Western epic ‘Horizon’ took 30 years to make. Do you ever give up?

No. It’s not in my nature. I won’t abandon a project just because people disagree with me. If you find a woman attractive and others don’t, does that change how you see her? I’ve never cared about trends. I follow what interests me and try to make it compelling for others too. Who thought ‘Dances with Wolves’ would ever work?

What if all you get is rejection?

Sometimes the timing isn’t right. Then I take a detour and return to it later. The time will come. I have that patience. Too many people in this business give up when they hear negative feedback. If someone says their idea isn’t good, they accept it. I don’t. Not because I want to argue, but because I don’t see why I should be wrong. I’m stubborn. And I believe in the poetry of life. You have to walk your own path without being swayed by convention.

Where does that come from? Have you always been like this?

My parents taught me to believe in the American Dream. That if you work hard, you can achieve anything.

But reality proves it’s not that simple…

My parents told me that too. If you want to be the fastest runner, you quickly learn there are at least 100 who are faster. You also have to be smart. Find what you love and stick with it. If it doesn’t work, rethink it. Not everything succeeds at first. But if you keep refining and thinking it through, something big can come from it. I never avoided that. I like rehearsing before a shoot. No one sees that. No one cares. But I care. I like retreating into the editing room and fine-tuning. I never got into this business to walk red carpets.

But do you enjoy the fame?

Of course. I love that I’m treated well wherever I go. At hotels, I get the best room. With great fruit. Sometimes there’s even a piano. I try not to take advantage. I respect the people who offer me these things. That’s why they often want to help me even more.

Do you Google yourself to see how popular you are?

I avoid it. You might find five glowing reviews, then one person tearing you down. And that hurts. In that moment, you almost wish you didn’t have the piano in your room (laughs).

But you don’t seem like the kind of fragile star who lets criticism get to him.

Not on the job. Rule number one is: even if you’re in a bad mood, you show up to work. You’re a man, not a child. You don’t take time off. Be on time. Other people’s schedules depend on you. If you can’t feel an emotion, fake it. But do it convincingly. Most actors do that. That’s what a real professional does.

How do you react when you get angry?

I raise my voice. Not often, but I wish I could control it better. When it happens, I think, you didn’t have to shout.

What makes you angry?

Not being taken seriously. When people treat me carelessly or mock me without knowing me. Even more so when they do that to my friends. Then I get angry even faster.

Now you sound intimidating.

I don’t see myself as a tough guy, but I won’t be made a fool of. Though I might not notice right away. Often, I only realise after the fact and think, ‘If I had known, I would have reacted differently.’ I usually assume the best in people, even those who may not deserve it.

But as a film star, shouldn’t you keep your emotions in check?

In those moments, I don’t care. I won’t pretend. If you challenge me and think I won’t respond because I’m in the public eye, that would be a mistake.

Your last divorce reportedly involved a substantial settlement. How do you reflect on that experience?

I know. Life has taken some big bites out of me. But I’ve also taken big bites out of life.

At least your relationships brought you seven children. You cast your 15-year-old son Hayes in a small but important role in ‘Horizon’. What did that mean to you as a father?

Nothing is better than seeing your child succeed. Even if they just sing in a school play, you’re thrilled. I want to support them. But that doesn’t mean I cast my son lightly. I know serious actors want those roles too. They’re in demand. But I love having my kids around. I miss them, so I look for ways to include them. Like giving them small tasks.

Managing a large patchwork family isn’t easy either.

True. But I always wanted to be a good father. Mine never neglected me. He cared, just like my mother. Whatever I did, my parents were there for me and I looked up to them. I want to be that for my kids. If you stay true to your convictions professionally and show up as a father, then you can say: I’m a real man.

Do you see that persistence in your kids too?

Yes, they all follow their own path and carry a quiet inner fire. They don’t make a big show of it. They are calm but know how to enjoy themselves. And they look to me because I stay true to my values. I will not change that. It is part of my lifelong responsibility to them.

But persistence can become stubbornness. Are you able to change your mind?

Of course. If I feel something deeply enough, I can change. I do not want to give up what I believe in, but I also want to keep my friends. The same goes for relationships. I do not want to lose them, even if that has not always worked out. In the end, everyone should follow their path and not be led away from their goals. I hope that for my children too. They should grow as people and love those around them.

– Interview by Rüdiger Sturm; Photos by Kathy Hutchins / Featureflash Photo Agency / Lucky Team Studio