Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading

Kevin Costner Reveals Health Struggles During 'Hidden Figures' Filming

Kevin Costner arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kevin Costner shared a remarkable story about his dedication to filming the movie 'Hidden Figures' despite facing a challenging health condition. The actor revealed that he worked through the production while dealing with kidney stones, requiring him to be on morphine during the last two weeks of shooting in the spring of 2016.

In an interview with People magazine, Costner disclosed that he never missed a day of work, even while receiving IV treatments for his health issue. The visible bruising from the IV treatments affected his wardrobe choices for the film, prompting him to keep his sleeves down instead of rolled up.

'Hidden Figures,' a biographical drama loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's book, follows the story of three Black female mathematicians whose work at NASA contributed to the success of the Space Race. Costner portrayed the character of Al Harrison, the director of NASA's Space Task Group, in the film.

The movie, directed by Theodore Melfi, received critical acclaim and garnered three Oscar nominations, including best picture and best supporting actress for Octavia Spencer. Costner expressed his admiration for the collaboration with Melfi in developing the character of Al Harrison, who was inspired by real-life figures.

Costner's latest project, 'Horizon: An American Saga,' marks the first installment of a four-part post-Civil War drama series. The actor, who also wrote and directed the films, invested significant personal funds into the project, emphasizing its importance as a passion project he has nurtured for nearly three decades.

Despite the financial stakes involved, Costner remains focused on the artistic integrity of 'Horizon' and is not overly concerned about its box office performance. He emphasized the satisfaction of seeing the film realized according to his vision, highlighting the significance of the creative process over commercial success.

As 'Horizon' debuts in theaters, Costner's dedication to his craft and commitment to storytelling continue to resonate with audiences, showcasing his enduring passion for filmmaking.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.