The performance of this attractive leading man with a deadpan delivery was cut out of Lawrence Kasdan's "The Big Chill" (1983--he was Alex, the much-talked about but never-seen suicide). Kasdan repaid Kevin Costner by casting him as flashy cowboy in his revisionist Western "Silverado" (1985), which made audiences and critics take note of the actor. The California-born performer had marked time in small-scale features (e.g., "Stacy's Knight" 1982) before his star-making performance. He cemented his reputation as a sexy leading man in the thriller "No Way Out" (1987) and most particularly "Bull Durham" (1988). Demonstrating his dramatic capabilities, Costner anchored the slightly treacly "Field of Dreams" (1989) while honing an onscreen persona of of straightforward common virtue.

Like many thespians, Costner really wanted to direct and hit pay dirt with his premiere effort, the richly detailed if lengthy, "Dances With Wolves" (1990). The film was a surprise blockbuster, a landmark in the representation of American Indians in Hollywood and the year's big Oscar winner, netting seven statues including including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner. Firmly established as one of the biggest box-office draws of the 90s, he continued to attract sizable audiences to his films, whether critically lauded ("JFK" 1991) or otherwise ("Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" 1991 and "The Bodyguard" 1992). When Costner dropped his heroic persona to essay a charismatic escaped convict in the Clint Eastwood-directed "A Perfect World" (1993), audiences rejected his efforts despite the fact that many reviewers felt the actor delivered one of his best performances.

Costner returned to somewhat icy form depicting "Wyatt Earp" (1994) and took a decidedly supporting role as a Vietnam-era veteran in family-themed "The War" (also 1994). Chosing to expand into the burgeoning sci-fi market, he followed with the post-apocalyptic "Waterworld" (1995), playing the half-man/half-amphibian protagonist. The film was plagued by delays and mishaps--some of which were natural diasters. The budget reportedly soared to as high as $180 million, making it the then-costliest film ever made. Post-production was further complicated by conflicts with director Kevin Reynolds; Costner reportedly took over the editing of the final cut. The finished film was hardly the disaster predicted by industry insiders as it eventually earned enough to break even.

Nevertheless, Costner's reputation was damaged and he returned to sexy rogue mode for "Tin Cup" (1996), but the costly film wasn't a box-office hit. Even more disappointing was his second directorial effort, the three-hour would-be epic "The Postman" (1997), another futuristic tale hurt by a muddled trailer and negative reviews.