Kevin Costner enjoys 'some good rebound' as he dives back into dating world, reveals source

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Looks like Kevin Costner is easing back into the dating scene post-divorce and he’s doing it on his terms.

After finalizing his split from his wife of 20 years Christine Baumgartner, Costner seems to be testing the waters but isn’t exactly begging for dating advice. When an Entertainment Tonight reporter tried to play matchmaker recently, offering to set him up with 'Today' show host Hoda Kotb, the 'Yellowstone' star’s reaction was, well, classic Costner.

“Well, look,” he said with a bit of a smile, “I know how to meet girls if I have to.” He’s not on the lookout for a new love story to splash across headlines—especially not with someone as high-profile as Kotb. But that doesn’t mean he’s just sitting around.

Kevin Costner finds his groove again

Now, a source has spilled to Life & Style that Kevin Costner’s been dipping a toe back into the dating world. After the whirlwind of his breakup with Christine Baumgartner, along with a short-lived fling with singer Jewel, the 69-year-old is reportedly getting his mojo back.

“He’s not quite as desperately pathetic as people think,” the insider joked. “He’s been on several dates with women who are trusted and vetted by friends and is having some good rebound fun.”

And the best part? He’s just looking to keep things light. “He learned his lesson getting too carried away like he did with Jewel,” the source revealed.

Kevin isn’t about to get wrapped up in anything serious anytime soon, he’s in it for a much-needed confidence boost. “His confidence took a beating,” the insider added, “He wants his self-respect and sexy spark back.”

The Entertainment Tonight reporter’s matchmaking attempt with Hoda Kotb wasn’t the first time someone tried to stir up a little romance for Kevin. Back in June, he and Kotb had a cute, flirty moment on her show, and fans ran wild with it. But Kevin’s not interested in making his dating life a public spectacle.

“Well look, I’m not on a national dating service. I appreciate the goodwill,” Costner said with a laugh in mid-October. “She’s been great to me. When I go back there, people treat me well. They treat me good. And she’s got a spark, and we’ve never had coffee together.”

He also had to clear things up about Jewel. During an appearance on 'The Howard Stern Show' in June, he downplayed any romance. “Jewel and I are friends. We’ve never gone out, ever," he insisted.

Though they’d been spotted looking cozy at a charity event on Necker Island in December 2023, Kevin assured fans that it was nothing more than friendship.

“We’ve never gone out, ever," he told Stern. "She’s fantastic, she’s special, and I don’t want these rumors to ruin our friendship because that’s what we have. She’s special… She’s everything you might think, but it just hasn’t happened.”

Kevin Costner tries to join surfing community

As if dating rumors weren’t enough, Kevin Costner’s been trying to dive into a new scene—the surfing community. But insiders say it’s not going smoothly. According to a source for Life & Style, the Dances with Wolves star has “been quietly trying to get in the surfing community for years,” but locals aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for him.

“He hasn’t even got a foot in the door because they think he’s lame and a Hollywood star who should stick to dry land,” the source revealed.

Surfers are famously tight-knit and competitive, and Kevin’s star status doesn’t mean much to them. “Surfers don’t like these amateurs infringing on their waves,” the source added.

Even more awkward? Word is that Kevin’s been buying surfboards that don’t really match his skills, which hasn’t done much to help his image. “People think he’s a joke,” the insider shared. “Plus, he's locked in this 'I'm cool in my new life' mode, and they're saying, 'Who does he think he is?'" the source added.

Despite his best efforts, Costner’s journey into the surf community seems to be hitting more than a few roadblocks. “Bottom line is this is a very tight, cliquey, snobby community, and he's not doing himself favors with his arrogance and by expecting people to fall to their feet," the source concluded.