Kevin Costner

If you know me, it is no secret that I am a fan of Kevin Costner.  I am thrilled to see him back on the big screen and I have been catching every show he has been on promoting his latest film Draft Day.

This guy is about as real as they come.  He is consistent at what he says.  He really makes you feel like you could sit down and have a cup of coffee with him.  His work ethic is outstanding in my opinion.  In fact this will be very opinionated because I really like this guy for what he stands for and how he has conducted himself through his movie career.

I had the opportunity to meet this man in 1996 in Deadwood, South Dakota.  I was there on business and my collegues and I decided to go to Midnight Star.  There was some joking around about him being there.  Then it was official.  Employees of Midnight Star said he was in town.

I wasn’t going to leave without getting a glimpse of him.  In fact I really wanted to meet him.  We did have someone in common that would give me the courage to meet him.  It was my doctor Chris Renna when I lived in Dallas, Texas.  Dr Renna’s wife was in commercials.

When Oliver Stone came to Dallas to do the movie Born On The Fourth Of July he always brought his family with him.  One of his family members became ill and that is where Dr. Renna stepped in.
From there, Dr. Chris Renna would become the production doctor for the movie.  He was also in a few scenes playing a role as a doctor.  This was in 1989.

Fast forward to 1991.  Oliver Stone and his family were back in Dallas, Texas to film the movie JFK in which Kevin Costner play the role of Jim Garrison.  Dr. Chris Renna would become production doctor again and also have cameo shots in the film.  In fact Kevin visited Dr Renna’s clinic while he was there.

Was knowing Dr. Renna enough to validate me getting the courage to go up to him and meet him?  This 36 year old thought so.  Sure enough, he was in town and there he was in Midnight Star the place he owns in Deadwood, South Dakota.

I knew I couldn’t hesitate when I saw him.  Nerves would have surely settled in.  I walked up to him as he was talking to someone and what did I do?  I tugged on his jacket just like a little kid would to get their parents attention and it worked!  I kept saying in a controlled voice, “Kevin, Kevin” and waited for him to respond.

I did get his attention and this is what I said, “Hi, I am Marilyn Foster.  We have a friend in common who is Dr. Chris Renna.  I just wanted to meet you.” I then put out my hand.  He knew who I was talking about and shook my hand.  I didn’t want to wash my hand for a long time!  I suddenly became a groupy!  I did keep my composure while wearing my Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt that had the superbowl back to back saying on it.  I wanted an autograph but decided to be cool about it.

I think that is what was so special about the chance meeting.  I didn’t want anything from him.  I just wanted to meet him and that was it.  It truly was one of the highlights of my life not because he is a movie star, but because he is a real genuine person and I felt that from him.

As far as seeing his new movie, unfortunately I am going to have to wait until next week.  For some reason where I go to see movies they are not showing ‘Draft Day’ this weekend.  The next closest theatre is 100 miles away.  For now, I am not going to talk to anyone about the movie until I get to see it for myself.  That is how I enjoy movies.  I don’t want to know any more than what the trailer they put out for the movie.  Therefore I am able to share my personal opinion.  Who knows, I may get the poster for the movie if I ask for it.  One can’t deny a true fan her wish can they?  You know I may just make this a series and write about my experiences as a movie critic.  Will I be objective?Time will tell.

Marilyn