The Life of All-American Actor Kevin Costner

In 1987, he played Eliot Ness in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables, starring opposite Sean Connery and Robert De Niro. De Palma was reportedly reluctant at first because Costner was not yet a widely known actor, but the role gave him a major leading-man platform.

As Ness, Costner had to hold the center of a stylish crime drama filled with bigger, louder personalities. The film became a major step in his rise, proving he could lead a studio picture while surrounded by established heavyweights.