Kevin Costner, the iconic actor behind classics like Dances with Wolves and Yellowstone, has always been a man of the West. But did you know that his love for Westerns—and his entire career—might never have happened without one legendary John Wayne movie?
In a recent interview, Costner opened up about the life-changing moment he watched John Wayne’s 1962 Western, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. The film, directed by John Ford, is a gripping tale of heroism, morality, and the harsh realities of the Old West. For a young Costner, it wasn’t just entertainment but a revelation.
“I was just a kid when I first saw it,” Costner recalled. “But something about that movie stuck with me. The way John Wayne carried himself and the story unfolded wasn’t just a Western. It was about honor, sacrifice, and the kind of man I wanted to be.”
Costner credits the film with sparking his passion for storytelling, particularly in the Western genre. Decades later, that passion would lead him to create and star in some of the most beloved Westerns of all time, including Open Range and the Oscar-winning Dances with Wolves.
But the connection goes deeper. Costner revealed that John Wayne’s quiet strength and moral complexity in Liberty Valance influenced his own approach to acting. “Wayne wasn’t just a cowboy. He was a symbol of something bigger. That’s what I’ve always tried to bring to my roles,” Costner said.
Fans of both actors are now revisiting The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, calling it a hidden gem in John Wayne’s filmography. Social media is buzzing with posts about the movie’s impact, with many praising Costner for keeping the spirit of classic Westerns alive in modern cinema.
So, if you’ve ever wondered why Kevin Costner’s Westerns feel so authentic, now you know—it all started with John Wayne. And who knows? Maybe the next great Western star is out there right now, watching Liberty Valance for the first time, just like Costner did all those years ago.
What’s your favorite John Wayne or Kevin Costner Western? Let us know in the comments below!