Kevin Costner Opens Up About Filming ‘Hidden Figures’ While Battling Kidney Stones
Kevin Costner, the Oscar-winning actor and director known for his unflappable work ethic, has revealed a hidden struggle he faced while filming the 2016 movie Hidden Figures. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Costner shared that he was dealing with painful kidney stones during the shoot, a condition so severe that he had to be on a morphine drip for the last two weeks of filming.
The Hidden Struggle Behind ‘Hidden Figures’
Hidden Figures tells the inspiring true story of three brilliant Black women who made significant contributions to NASA’s Space Race in the 1960s. Costner played the role of NASA bigwig Al Harrison, delivering a performance that belied his physical suffering.
“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 admitted. Despite the intense pain and the morphine, Costner’s commitment to his craft remained unwavering.
A Grueling Filming Experience
During the filming, Costner developed kidney stones, a condition that left him working under an IV drip for 10 days. “I don’t even know how,” he reflected. “About three days of it I was normal and then something happened to me.”
Despite the physical challenges, Costner never missed a day of work. He recounted sitting in his trailer with a morphine drip in his arm, determined to continue filming. The situation was so dire that he had to keep his sleeves rolled down to hide the bruising from the IV.
“I wanted to cry, but there was everybody watching, so I didn’t,” Costner recalled, highlighting the immense pressure he felt to maintain his professional demeanor.
Fond Memories Amidst the Pain
Despite the painful experience, Costner holds fond memories of the Hidden Figures shoot. He cherished the opportunity to work again with Octavia Spencer, his co-star from the 2014 drama Black or White. He also praised the film’s director, Theodore Melfi, calling him an ideal collaborator and describing the experience as “magic.”
As Costner prepares for the release of his epic Western Horizon: An American Saga, opening this weekend, he looks back on his career with pride. His perseverance and dedication, even in the face of significant personal pain, exemplify his remarkable work ethic and passion for storytelling.
Kevin Costner’s revelation about his health struggles while filming Hidden Figures adds a new layer of admiration for his performance in the movie. Despite being in excruciating pain, Costner delivered a stellar performance, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his craft. This story serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
