How Kevin Costner Became a Leading Man in Hollywood

Few people know that Costner is a major advocate for environmental innovation. After the Exxon Valdez oil spill, he began investing in clean water technology. In the mid-1990s, he began investing in oil-water separation technology following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.

Costner had poured over $20 million of his own money into this venture. It wasn’t just a celebrity stunt but a serious, years-long commitment. Though it never made daily headlines, his behind-the-scenes work proved that he wasn’t just interested in preserving the past onscreen—he also wanted to help protect the future.