Despite critical praise and a storied career, Kevin Costner faced one of his toughest challenges while filming 'Hidden Figures', revealing a story of resilience and dedication that remained hidden until now.
- Jun 30, 2024
AceShowbiz - Kevin Costner is a name synonymous with dedication and professionalism in Hollywood. While many know him for his outstanding performances and directorial prowess, what they may not know is the adversity he faced during the filming of the 2016 hit, "Hidden Figures".
Costner portrayed Al Harrison, a fictional character based on several real-life NASA figures, in the film that highlighted the crucial contributions of three Black female mathematicians during the Space Race. This role, however, came with its own set of behind-the-scenes challenges for the Oscar winner.
In a series of revelations, Costner shared with PEOPLE magazine that he battled debilitating kidney stones during the final two weeks of the shoot. "I've never worked drunk on a set. I've never worked high on a set, but I was on morphine the last two weeks that I worked on [Hidden Figures]," Costner said. "I had kidney stones and I worked 10 days under an IV drip. I don't even know how."
Despite intense pain, the actor's commitment to his craft shone through as he refused to miss a day of work. "I've never missed a day of work [in my entire career], and then when I thought I was gonna be off [the IV drip], a second kidney stone came - which I never had - and I was right back on it," he recalled.
"I sat in my trailer with a morphine drip in my arm. Eventually, I had to have my sleeves down in the movie because of that," he recounted.
"Hidden Figures", which Costner holds dear, was not only an opportunity to tell an important story but also to re-team with Octavia Spencer and work with director Theodore Melfi. Costner praised the collaboration with Melfi, calling it "magic" and highlighting the director's trust and flexibility.
His perseverance and dedication during this challenging time are a testament to Costner's unyielding work ethic and love for the art of filmmaking. This story shines a new light on the often unseen struggles of even the most acclaimed actors, reminding us that true professionalism involves enduring significant hardship with grace.
While Costner continues to break new ground with projects like his new Western epic, "Horizon: An American Saga", his unsung heroics during the "Hidden Figures" shoot will undoubtedly add another layer of admiration for this Hollywood legend.
