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Kevin Costner Brings His Passion for Storytelling to the Hilltop
Kevin Costner shared impactful stories on the University of San Francisco’s Silk Speaker Series stage on October 18, as part of CelebrateUSF 2025. The USF community poured into the Sobrato Center to hear Costner talk about his life, upbringing, and artistic process.
Costner is an actor, director, producer, and musician who won Academy Awards for Dances with Wolves, inspired generations with Field of Dreams, and starred opposite Whitney Houston in one of the most memorable love stories of the ’90s, The Bodyguard.
Brenna Malloy ’13, an award-winning film and television director of major TV series like Law & Order, Chicago Fire, and 9-1-1 made her second appearance moderating a Silk Speaker Series event. Malloy previously interviewed Viola Davis in 2024.
Costner kept the audience enthralled with wisdom and insights from his blue-collar beginnings, personal relationships, and journey to stardom.
He examined his passion and drive to become a storyteller in his early twenties and the steadfastness required to pursue his dreams.
“There were sad moments for me, leaving holiday parties, because my wife was seeing my contemporaries get ahead, and I was just hoping for an opportunity. I knew I needed to stick with it, but being around people that had already achieved this perceived success — I knew they were shaking their heads at me.”
I believe movies that are working at their best will be about single moments: a word, a wink, a kiss — an image that we'll never, ever forget.”
Authenticity and being true to one’s self were recurring themes, with Costner discussing what kind of power movies really have for storytelling.
“I believe movies that are working at their best will be about single moments: a word, a wink, a kiss — an image that we'll never, ever forget,” said Costner. “I absolutely believe in movies and their ability to affect in the long term. You have to understand that your work, if you're careful with it, can travel through time.”
Costner wrote poetry from the time he was young, and said that he believes strongly in the power of writing with intentionality, orchestrating his films, and the importance of a work ethic.
Above all, be curious — ferociously curious. You'll find your way.”
Speaking to the students in the crowd, Costner gave a few pieces of advice. “If you're working for somebody, work hard. Listen to people, and above all, be curious — ferociously curious. You'll find your way.”
The Silk Speaker Series, established by USF Trustee Jeff Silk ’87 and his wife Naomi, invites industry leaders and influential thinkers in global affairs, economy, and business to engage with the university community.
Curious about the Silk Speaker Series? Check out the stories from some of our past speakers.
