Bridget Rooney is not a big movie star. But her name still shows up in the news and online. Why? Because her life is full of big names, strong family ties, and quiet success.
She once had a child with Hollywood actor Kevin Costner. Later, she married Bill Koch, a very rich businessman. But Bridget is more than just someone linked to famous men. She comes from the Rooney family, who own the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. She is also related to actresses Rooney Mara and Kate Mara.
In this article, we’ll learn who Bridget Rooney really is. We’ll talk about her childhood, her family, her love life, her kids, and how she lives now. You’ll see how she stays calm and kind, even with so much attention around her
Bridget Mary Rooney Profile Summary
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bridget Mary Rooney |
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1962 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 64 years old |
| Birthplace | California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Parents | Tim Rooney and June Rooney |
| Famous Family | The Rooney family (owners of Pittsburgh Steelers) |
| Known For | Being Kevin Costner’s ex and Bill Koch’s wife |
| Children | Liam Costner and Kaitlin “K.K.” Koch |
| Stepchildren | Wyatt, William, Charlotte, and Robin |
| Current Husband | Bill Koch (married in 2005) |
| Career & Roles | Former actress, philanthropist |
| Lives In | Palm Beach, Florida |
Bridget Rooney’s Famous Family
Bridget Rooney was born into a very well-known American family. Her family is famous because they own the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the top teams in the NFL.
Her grandfather, Art Rooney Sr., started the Steelers all the way back in 1933. He helped build one of the strongest football teams in the country. Her father, Tim Rooney, also helped run family businesses, like the Palm Beach Kennel Club. That’s a popular greyhound racing track in Florida.
Bridget’s family is not just rich. They also care about sports, community, and helping others. Her uncle Dan Rooney, ran the Steelers and helped grow it into a professional, winning team. Her nieces, Rooney Mara and Kate Mara, are both actresses who star in TV shows and Hollywood movies. So yes — fame runs in the family!
Her Childhood and Early Life
Bridget Rooney was born on May 26, 1962, in California, USA. Her full name is Bridget Mary Rooney. She grew up in a strong, close family with deep Irish-Catholic roots.
Her parents, Tim and June Rooney, raised her with care, but also taught her about responsibility. Even though the family was rich and powerful, Bridget didn’t grow up spoiled. She went to school like other kids and later studied business.
Bridget Rooney didn’t plan to be a celebrity. She was interested in helping people and learning new things. That’s why, even today, she keeps a private and quiet lifestyle, even though she has famous connections.
Bridget’s First Job and TV Work
Before becoming well-known, Bridget Rooney worked at a TV station in Aspen, Colorado. She enjoyed media and behind-the-scenes work. This was where she first met Kevin Costner, who would later become the father of her son.
Bridget Rooney never tried to become a big Hollywood star. She liked a simple, low-key life. But in 2011, she did something fun — she acted in a short 8-minute horror film called “Zombie or Not Zombie.” That was her one-time acting try. After that, she went back to living privately.
Even though she didn’t stay in the acting world, this small role showed that she wasn’t afraid to try something new. Bridget has always done things in her own calm and graceful way.
Her Love Story with Kevin Costner
In the mid-1990s, Bridget Rooney Rooney and actor Kevin Costner started dating. At that time, Kevin had just ended his 16-year marriage with his first wife, Cindy Silva. It was a hard time for him, and he wasn’t ready for more public drama.
Bridget and Kevin kept their relationship very quiet. But things changed in 1996 when Bridget shared big news — she was pregnant. This made the press go wild. People wanted to know: Is Kevin the father? Are they together? What will happen next?
Bridget stayed calm. She told reporters, “I’m 110% sure who the father is. I’m just enjoying my pregnancy.” She made it clear she wasn’t chasing fame or money. She just wanted to enjoy the special moment.
Her Son Liam with Kevin Costner
Bridget gave birth to a baby boy named Liam Costner in November 1996. At first, Kevin Costner didn’t accept that he was the father. He asked for a paternity test. Bridget agreed — she wanted the truth to be clear.
The test proved that Kevin was Liam’s father. After that, Kevin accepted Liam and set up a trust fund for him. He didn’t see Liam often, but he supported him financially. Liam grew up mostly with Bridget, who later moved them to Palm Beach, Florida.
Today, Liam is a grown man. He works in real estate and keeps his life private — just like his mom.
Marriage to Billionaire Bill Koch
After her chapter with Kevin Costner ended, Bridget Rooney found love again. This time, with William Bill Koch, a very rich businessman and art collector. He is part of the famous Koch family. His brothers, Charles and David Koch, are known across the U.S. for their business and political work.
Bridget and Bill got married in 2005. They had a quiet ceremony in Colorado. Bridget was in her 40s, and Bill was over 60 — but their age gap didn’t matter. Their bond was strong, and they supported each other deeply.
Bridget didn’t just marry into wealth. She also stepped into a new world of art, education, and charity work — a life she fully embraced
Bridget’s Daughter and Stepchildren
After marrying Bill Koch in 2005, Bridget became a mom again. In 2006, she gave birth to their daughter, Kaitlin Koch. She lovingly calls her “K.K.”
Bridget also became a stepmother to Bill’s other children from his past relationships. Their names are Wyatt, William, Charlotte, and Robin. She treats them all with care and kindness. Bridget’s family life became big, warm, and full of love.
Helping Start a School with Her Husband
In 2011, Bridget and Bill did something very special. They started a private school called Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida. It is not a regular school — it focuses on project-based learning, where students learn by doing things, not just reading books.
Bridget was proud of this project. She once joked that her husband “just added water” and built a school. It was his idea, but she supported it fully. She wanted students to have better chances, no matter where they came from.
Bridget Giving Help to Students
Oxbridge Academy isn’t just for rich kids. In fact, two-thirds of the students get financial help to study there. Bill Koch gives most of that help himself.
This shows that Bridget and Bill care about giving back. They want to help children grow, learn, and have a good future. Bridget may live a quiet life, but her actions speak loudly.
Life Today in Palm Beach
Bridget Rooney now lives in a large and beautiful home in Palm Beach. Her husband’s mansion is full of rare art and old statues. At first, she was nervous about all the priceless things around, but now she’s used to it.
She still likes to stay private. But from time to time, she goes to charity events and fundraisers. People see her as someone who is kind, classy, and calm. She doesn’t chase fame — she lives a happy life with family and good values.
Bridget Rooney’s Private Life
Even with her Hollywood past, Bridget Rooney doesn’t try to be in the news. She stays away from cameras and parties. She chooses a life full of peace, family, and giving.
Bridget is often seen at events for good causes, but she never shows off. She walks in, supports the cause, smiles, and leaves with quiet grace. People respect her because she doesn’t pretend — she’s just herself.
Bridget Rooney as a Mother
Bridget Rooney is most proud of being a mother. She raised Liam Costner with care, even when things were hard. She is raising Kaitlin with love and strong values. She also helps her stepchildren grow with support and kindness.
Many people admire how Bridget handled big life moments. From her time with Kevin Costner to her marriage to Bill Koch, she stayed strong, honest, and true to herself.
Final Thoughts
Bridget Rooney may not be in movies or magazines every day, but her life tells a strong story. She is the daughter of a famous sports family. She had a child with a movie star. She married a billionaire. But most of all — she stayed kind, private, and real.
Her life shows that being famous isn’t everything. What matters is how you treat others, how you raise your kids, and how you give back to the world. Bridget Rooney is a great example of that.
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