Kevin Costner Reveals His Acting Career Started in Church, Shares Early Journey Insights

Kevin Costner revealed that his acting journey began in a church nativity play. Long before his Hollywood fame, he played a shepherd, which marked his first step into storytelling.

Costner described himself as a “rascal” during that early performance, saying he didn’t even understand what acting was at the time. He emphasized that the church played a significant role in his upbringing and early exposure to performance.

Now a celebrated actor and director, Costner’s career spans numerous iconic films and television projects. Yet, he is returning to his roots with a new ABC special focusing on the Nativity story of Mary and Joseph.

The two-hour special, titled The First Christmas, premieres on ABC in December. It blends dramatic reenactments with Costner’s narration to explore the spiritual and historical context of Jesus’ birth.

Costner stressed that hosting this special was a deliberate choice to engage in faith-focused storytelling. He said, “I make sports movies, cowboy movies, and dramas… Sometimes you’re not always dealing with your faith.”

Raised in a Baptist church, Costner wanted to approach the story with a human perspective. He explained that revealing his own religious entry point helps audiences connect with the narrative in a more personal way.

He reflected on the youth and vulnerability of Mary and Joseph, highlighting the real dangers they faced. Costner said, “They were kids on this incredible journey… Life wasn’t valued the way we think of it today.”

Costner also shared how faith has helped him deal with public scrutiny throughout his long career. He noted that “faith is something you hold inside you” and it guides behavior in critical situations.

The special invites not only believers but also skeptics and the curious to engage with the enduring Nativity story. Costner encouraged cynics to consider why the story has lasted thousands of years.

Finally, Costner described the message of Christmas as a time for reflection and moral recalibration. He said it’s a moment “to take stock of the people who matter to us” amid modern celebrations.

Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas airs on ABC on a December evening and will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.