Bridget Rooney Biography: Net Worth, Children, Kevin Costner Connection, and Life Today

Bridget Rooney is a name that has echoed through Hollywood gossip columns, sports dynasties, and philanthropic circles alike. Best known for her whirlwind romance with Kevin Costner in the 1990s, Bridget’s story is much more than tabloid headlines. She’s a philanthropist, entrepreneur, former actress, and a member of the legendary Rooney family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This Blog will help you know about Bridget Rooney’s net worth, her children, and her journey from Hollywood intrigue to impactful giving. 

Childhood: Born Into American Royalty

Bridget Rooney was born on May 26, 1962, in California. Now 61 years old, she grew up in a family synonymous with American sports and business success. Her father, Timothy James Rooney, is the son of Art Rooney, the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Her mother is June Marraccaini. Bridget is one of six siblings, including Thomas Joseph Rooney, Timothy James Rooney Jr., Kathleen Mara, Cara Rooney, and Margaret Galterio.

Raised in a household where business acumen and community impact were daily conversations, Bridget pursued a degree in Business Administration, laying the foundation for her future entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures.

Hollywood Spotlight: The Kevin Costner Chapter

In the mid-1990s, Bridget Rooney’s life changed forever when she began dating Kevin Costner, fresh off his high-profile divorce from Cindy Silva. Their romance was brief but intense, and it quickly became a media sensation when Bridget announced she was pregnant in 1996. The ensuing paternity dispute played out in public, with Bridget standing firm in her claim and Costner initially denying paternity.

A DNA test eventually confirmed Kevin Costner as the father of her son, Liam Costner. Costner acknowledged Liam, set up a trust fund, and began spending occasional time with him, though their relationship remained relatively private.

Did Bridget Rooney and Kevin Costner Ever Star in a Movie Together?

Despite their high-profile connection, Bridget Rooney and Kevin Costner never appeared in a film together. Bridget’s acting career was brief, with her sole credit being the short film Zombie or Not Zombie (2011), a project she did independently of Costner’s Hollywood blockbusters.

Career: From Actress to Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Bridget Rooney’s foray into acting was short but memorable.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

After college, Bridget’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to found several innovative companies:

• She launched GreenTech Solutions in 2002, focusing on renewable energy technologies.
• In 2008, she developed a mobile app for energy management.
• By 2015, she had expanded into healthcare and education technology, adapting to market trends and solving real-world problems.

Her ventures not only generated revenue but also contributed to sustainability and social good.

Philanthropy: Giving Back in a Big Way

Inspired by her family’s values, she has supported organizations like the United Way of Allegheny County, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and the Carnegie Museum of Art. She’s also a vocal advocate for environmental protection, animal welfare, and social justice. Through the Rooney Foundation, she’s funded educational programs, medical research, and sustainable agriculture initiatives, earning recognition from various organizations.

Family Life: Marriage, Children, and Legacy

Bridget Rooney's Marriage to Bill Koch

In the mid-1990s (from late 1994 to early 1997), Bridget Rooney had a brief but well-known relationship with actor Kevin Costner, with whom she shares a son, Liam Costner, born in 1996. In 2005, she married a billionaire businessman, Bill Koch, founder of Oxbow Carbon Corporation. With Bill Koch, Bridget has a daughter, Kaitlin Koch, and is also stepmother to his children from previous relationships.

Children of Bridget Rooney

• Liam Costner: Son of Kevin Costner, born in 1996. Liam has chosen a life away from Hollywood, reportedly working in real estate.
• Kaitlin Koch: Daughter of Bill Koch, born in 2006.

Bridget is also a stepmom to Wyatt, Charlotte, William, and Robin Koch.

Net Worth and Public Image

Bridget Rooney’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $20 million, while her husband Bill Koch’s fortune is around $2 billion. Despite her wealth and connections, Bridget prefers a low profile, focusing on family and philanthropy over celebrity.

Where Is Bridget Rooney Now?

Today, Bridget Rooney lives in Palm Beach, Florida, with her family. She continues to support charitable causes, advocate for environmental and social issues, and enjoys a quieter life away from Hollywood’s glare. Her journey from heiress to philanthropist, through Hollywood drama and entrepreneurial success, is a testament to her resilience and vision.

Wrapping Up

Bridget Rooney’s life is a tapestry of privilege, challenge, and purpose. From her headline-making romance with Kevin Costner to her impactful philanthropy and entrepreneurial achievements, she has continually reinvented herself. While the world may remember Bridget Rooney for her Hollywood connection, her true legacy lies in the lives she’s touched and the causes she champions. What inspires you most about Bridget Rooney’s journey from the spotlight to a life of substance?