Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner—who currently stars in Paramount Network's neo-Western drama Yellowstone—says he doesn't care if he loses fans who don't agree with his politics.
Asked for his take on the current state of American politics and whether he would follow in the footsteps of his Yellowstone character and run for office, Costner said:
"No, I don't think there's any reason for me to run, though I wish the people that did run had a bigger vision and more of a morality about how they see the country evolving."
"I'm disappointed."
Costner, who considers himself an Independent, voted for former Democratic President Barack Obama in 2008 and Democratic President Joe Biden in 2020 despite a conservative upbringing.
Early in his life, Costner was a Republican. He was a supporter and good friend of former Republican President Ronald Reagan, frequently playing golf with him. He eventually switched his affiliation in the early 1990s. Since 1992, Costner has financially supported a variety of Democratic politicians.
Earlier this year, he made headlines for publicly supporting Wyoming Republican Representative Liz Cheney, who was ousted by her own party for refusing to back former Republican President Donald Trump's falsehoods about the 2020 election.
His show of support prompted Cheney to thank him for putting "country over party."
\u201cReal men put country over party.\u201d— Liz Cheney (@Liz Cheney) 1659386242
On his support for Cheney—who has been praised by politicians on both sides of the aisle for her commitment to democratic ideals—Costner had this to say:
"Just because you lose doesn't mean you're done; it doesn't mean you're even wrong. I was clear that [Cheney] probably wasn't going to win her election."
"But I wanted to let her know, as a citizen, how much I appreciated her brave, clear-headed stance."
Costner knew supporting Cheney so publicly would invite criticism, but he said he "didn't really care how the cookie crumbles," adding that it's "OK" that "people that liked me now don't like me."
Indeed, some haven't taken Costner's remarks too well.
\u201cAnother icon bites the dust\u201d— keepazfree (@keepazfree) 1668474572
\u201cCostner stick to acting.\u201d— anthony fazio (@anthony fazio) 1668479125
\u201cKevin Costner says it's 'OK' if people don't like him for his politics https://t.co/4ipMEAjB0u via @Yahoo Sad,thought Costner to be more conservative in his views for our country; was I wrong.\u201d— Gail Holsapple (@Gail Holsapple) 1668478024
\u201cKevin Costner says it's 'OK' if people don't like him for his politics, he is a communist. #SmartNews https://t.co/R9xRlDHSlW\u201d— Guy Coco (@Guy Coco) 1668465122
Others, however, have praised Costner for speaking his mind.
\u201cKevin Costner says it's 'OK' if people don't like him for his politics https://t.co/jBeMhw5x9T I am glad I'm not the only one! And in good company! (Among millions) We vote for the person who we feel will do the job, the best job for America!\u201d— Dennis W Dodgen (@Dennis W Dodgen) 1668524598
\u201cIt's good to know Kevin Costner hasn't gone to the dark side.\n\nKevin Costner says it's 'OK' if people don't like him for his politics https://t.co/hASC3lF2hd\u201d— Jay Lee \ud83c\udf0a\u2764\ud83d\udc15\ud83d\udc15\u2764\u26bd\ufe0f \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Jay Lee \ud83c\udf0a\u2764\ud83d\udc15\ud83d\udc15\u2764\u26bd\ufe0f \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1668520235
\u201ci can respect that\n\nKevin Costner Says He Doesn\u2019t Care If People Like Him Or Not Due To His Politics, Answers Whether He\u2019d Ever Run https://t.co/I7Tr1cByuP\u201d— Old Tired and Grumpy (@Old Tired and Grumpy) 1668505989
\u201cEven though he doesn't care if I agree with him. . .I have to say I admire his thinking and I do agree with much of this:\nKevin Costner says it's 'OK' if people don't like him for his politics https://t.co/HzeSIUIoWh via @Yahoo #PoliticsToday\u201d— Monica H (@Monica H) 1668469706
\u201cGive that man a Blue Check for honesty and integrity!\u201d— Bleuczech, Mark S - parody (@Bleuczech, Mark S - parody) 1668457468
\u201cAgreed...Country over Politics. We can stick to our principles but the purpose of governing is that you can't get everything you want all the time. Civility and common sense need a comeback in our country. #politics #America #GOP #Democrats\u201d— Bradley Perry (@Bradley Perry) 1668461834
\u201cKevin Costner says it's 'OK' if people don't like him for his politics https://t.co/udFQj8jDPi via @Yahoo \nFinally, a person and a celebrity, that feels like I do! It\u2019s not about party or politics, it is about what is best for the country! Do what is best for America!\u201d— kai lee (@kai lee) 1668523541
Costner's image as a masculine, rough and tumble leading man in films like Silverado and Wyatt Earp endeared him for years to conservatives, and his star rose considerably after he won Academy Awards for directing and producing the western Dances with Wolves.
However, Costner has previously said that he votes for whoever "has the best interests of the country and how we sit in the world," though he acknowledged that the films he was working on likely caused many to affiliate him with the Republican Party.
NBC News via Lisa Anderson