Hollywood icon Kevin Costner has recently disclosed the extraordinary circumstances under which he filmed his role in the acclaimed 2016 biographical drama “Hidden Figures.” In a revealing interview with PEOPLE magazine, Costner shared that he battled severe kidney stones throughout much of the production, often relying on morphine and intravenous medication to manage his pain.
“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 stated, shedding light on the challenging conditions he faced while portraying NASA official Al Harrison in the film.
The 68-year-old actor, known for his unwavering work ethic, detailed how he “worked 10 days under an IV drip” without missing a single day on set. Costner recounted, “About three days of it I was normal and then something happened to me.” He described spending time between scenes in his trailer, attached to a morphine drip to manage the intense discomfort.
As the situation progressed, Costner had to adapt his wardrobe choices to conceal evidence of his medical treatment. “Eventually I had to keep my sleeves rolled down to cover up the IV bruising,” he explained. The actor admitted to the emotional toll of the experience, saying, “I wanted to cry, but there was everybody watching, so I didn’t.”
Despite these hardships, Costner maintains positive memories of the production. He praised director Theodore Melfi, describing their collaboration as “magic.” The actor also expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with co-star Octavia Spencer, with whom he had previously worked on the 2014 drama “Black or White.”
“Hidden Figures,” based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book, tells the story of three African-American mathematicians – Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Goble Johnson, and Mary Jackson – who played crucial roles in NASA’s space program during the 1960s. The film garnered critical acclaim, earning Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer.
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Costner’s revelation offers a glimpse into the often unseen challenges actors face while bringing stories to life on screen. It also underscores his dedication to his craft, demonstrating a level of professionalism that has contributed to his enduring success in Hollywood over the past four decades.
As Costner prepares for the release of his latest directorial project, the epic Western “Horizon: An American Saga,” this behind-the-scenes look at one of his past performances serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices sometimes made in pursuit of cinematic excellence.
