Who Is Cindy Costner? The Untold Truth About Kevin Costner’s First Wife

Long before Kevin Costner became a household name synonymous with cinematic blockbusters like Dances with Wolves and The Bodyguard, Cindy Costner was the central figure in his life. As his college sweetheart and first wife, she was a crucial partner during his arduous climb to Hollywood stardom, only to find their 16-year marriage ending in a high-profile divorce just as his fame reached its zenith. While often defined by her famous ex-husband, Cindy Costner's story is one of personal ambition, quiet strength, and a deliberate choice to build a life for herself far from the glare of the public eye that once defined her world.

Cindy Costner and a young Kevin Costner attending an event together.

From College Sweetheart to Hollywood Wife

Born Cynthia "Cindy" Silva, her journey intertwined with Kevin Costner's in 1975 at California State University, Fullerton. By all accounts, their connection was immediate. She was reportedly a stunning beauty with Portuguese heritage, even playing Snow White at Disneyland during her college years. Kevin, then an aspiring actor with a marketing degree, was captivated. He later described her as "beautiful, sweet, and smarter than me." Their romance blossomed, and they married in February 1978, three years after they first met.

In the early years of their marriage, Cindy was the primary breadwinner, working for Delta Airlines while Kevin took on odd jobs—including as a truck driver, a tour guide, and on a deep-sea fishing boat—while pursuing acting roles. She was his unwavering support system, encouraging him to follow his passion despite the financial instability. Kevin Costner has frequently credited Cindy for her foundational role in his success. "She was my biggest supporter," he once stated, acknowledging that she pushed him to quit his marketing job and fully commit to acting. "I was just really proud that this woman would share my life with me," he reflected in an interview.

Navigating the Heights of Fame

As the 1980s progressed, Kevin Costner’s career exploded. Roles in films like The Untouchables (1987) and Bull Durham (1988) transformed him from a struggling actor into a leading man. With Field of Dreams (1989) and his directorial and acting triumph in Dances with Wolves (1990), which won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, he became one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Throughout this meteoric rise, Cindy was by his side on red carpets, a constant and grounding presence amidst the whirlwind of Hollywood.

She even participated in his most acclaimed project, making a brief appearance as a wagon passenger in Dances with Wolves. Together, they built a family, welcoming three children:

  • Annie Costner (born April 15, 1984), who has followed her father into the film industry as a producer and director.
  • Lily Costner (born August 4, 1986), an accomplished singer and actress who has appeared in several of her father’s films.
  • Joe Costner (born January 31, 1988), who has also worked in the entertainment industry as an actor and sound engineer.

However, the immense pressures of global stardom began to take a toll on their relationship. Kevin’s demanding filming schedules often kept him away from home for extended periods, and the intense media scrutiny placed their marriage under a microscope. The idyllic image of the college sweethearts who made it big in Hollywood was beginning to fracture behind the scenes.

The $80 Million Divorce That Made Headlines

In 1994, after 16 years of marriage, the couple announced their separation, shocking fans and the industry alike. Their joint statement was amicable, reading, "After 16 years of marriage, we are ending our relationship. We have amicably resolved all issues regarding our children and financial affairs and a full marital settlement has been reached."

Despite the peaceful statement, the divorce was fueled by persistent rumors of Kevin Costner’s infidelity, particularly during the tumultuous production of his post-apocalyptic film Waterworld. While Costner vehemently denied the allegations, the speculation dominated tabloid headlines. The divorce settlement became one of the most expensive in Hollywood history at the time. Cindy Costner reportedly received a settlement estimated to be worth $80 million, a figure that reflected her partnership in building the fortune that came with his A-list status.

The end of their marriage marked the end of an era. For Cindy, it was a painful transition out of a life she had helped build from the ground up. For Kevin, it was a public relations crisis that momentarily tarnished his all-American image. Reflecting on the period years later, Costner admitted the deep personal cost, telling The Hollywood Reporter, "My faith was shaken. No one wants their marriage to end, and it did. You are going to see the people you love most, your children, only half as much. That’s a huge loss."

A New Chapter Beyond the Spotlight

After the divorce, Cindy Costner deliberately stepped away from the Hollywood limelight that she had never seemed to fully embrace. Instead of leveraging her name for public gain, she focused on her children and on building a new, more private life. She invested her settlement wisely, becoming a successful businesswoman in her own right.

One of her most notable ventures was as the owner of the popular Newport Beach restaurant, The Clubhouse. She cultivated a life centered on her family and personal interests, far from the red carpets and movie premieres that once defined her public persona. In 1996, she found love again and married Larry Ameen, a private real estate investor, with whom she has remained for over two decades.

Today, Cindy Costner lives a quiet life, having successfully shielded herself and her family from the media circus. She remains a testament to resilience, a woman who navigated the dizzying heights of fame and the crushing lows of a public divorce with grace. While her name will forever be linked to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, her story is ultimately one of an individual who defined success on her own terms, finding lasting peace and fulfillment far from the world that first made her famous.

A more recent photo of Cindy Costner. Cindy Costner with her daughters Annie and Lily at an event.

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