Bridget Rooney is a well-known actress, famous for her leading role in the film “Zombie or Not Zombie” (2011). She is also renowned for her relationship with actor Kevin Costner. Kevin is an American actor, film director, and musician.
He is an accomplished actor with various accolades, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Aside from her acting career and relationship, Bridget Rooney’s family owns the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Palm Beach Kennel Club.
The Rooneys have a long legacy in business, politics, and philanthropy. However, Bridget’s undeniable skills show she is more than her high-profile relationships. Here’s everything we know about her personal life and her career.
Who Is Bridget Rooney?
Bridget Mary Rooney was born on April 26, 1962. The “Zombie or Not Zombie” star was born into a wealthy family in California, United States. Born into a prominent Irish-Catholic dynasty, her parents are Tim and June Rooney. Her grandfather, Art Rooney Sr., is responsible for bringing the Pittsburgh Steelers, then the Pittsburgh Pirates, into the NFL in 1933.
In addition, Art Sr. also purchased the Palm Beach Kennel Club in 1969, at which his son Pat Sr. served as president in the ’80s before handing over the reins to Pat Jr., a former congressman. Similarly, her uncle, Dan Rooney, the current chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise, professionalized the operation when he took over in the mid-’60s.
How Many Movies Has Bridget Rooney Appeared In?
Although she is a credited actress, Bridget Rooney had a brief brush with Hollywood. The stunning actress has only appeared in a short film, “Zombie or Not Zombie,” where she had a leading role in 2011. After her appearance in the short film, Bridget opted not to pursue acting professionally and has not appeared in any other movies.
Hence, Bridget’s silver screen ambitions are limited to a starring role in the 8-minute horror short film “Zombie or Not Zombie.” However, her nieces Rooney Mara and Kate Mara have made a splash in Hollywood with roles in films and TV, respectively. Although it is unknown what the actress has been up to since her last screen appearance, online reports suggest she works with her family.
What Happened Between Bridget Rooney and Kevin Costner?
While working at a TV station in Aspen, Bridget had a brief romantic entanglement with Kevin Costner. For the Catholic-born actress, abortion was never an option when she became pregnant with the famous Hollywood star’s child. However, Kevin was reportedly not keen on the baby.
When the pregnancy news broke, a source spilled to a gossip column that Bridget is “independent and independently wealthy.” The source also reported that Bridget was not after the movie star for his money and that the mom-to-be was “not someone you see at all these glitzy parties.”
Despite the rumors and her then-lover’s indifference towards the pregnancy, Bridget Rooney gave birth to her son, Liam Costner, in November 1996. However, after a paternity test, Kevin accepted responsibility for his son and reportedly set up a substantial trust fund. Aside from Liam, Kevin Costner has six other children, three with his first wife, Cindy Silva, and three others with his second wife, Christine Baumgartner.
Is Bridget Rooney Married?
Yes, she is. After her brief stint with Kevin, Bridget found love again with William “Bill” Koch. While Liam was a toddler, Bridget moved her small family to Palm Springs. She met the businessman, and they bonded over tennis during their courtship. Bridget mastered tennis in a few months, a sport the businessman had practiced for 20 years.
However, to his surprise, she was comfortably beating him by the end of the summer. After dating for a while, the couple tied the knot in 2005, and the stunning actress became Bridget Rooney Koch. They have been together for almost 18 years, and their marriage is still strong today.
William ‘Bill’ Koch founded the petroleum coke and sulfur products company Oxbow Carbon Corp. Bridget and her husband have one child, Kaitlin “K.K.” Koch. In addition, Bridget is also the stepmom to Bill’s children from his three previous relationships: Wyatt, Charlotte, William, and Robin.
What Does Liam Costner Do?
Bridget Rooney and Kevin Costner’s son, Liam, has chosen not to follow in his famous father’s footsteps by entering the acting world. Instead, the celebrity child reportedly works in real estate. In addition, he also shies away from the limelight.
Bridget and Bill founded an independent preparatory school, Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, in 2011, focusing on project-based learning. Two-thirds of the Oxbridge student body receives financial aid, funded mainly by the billionaire.
Like Robin Williams’ spouse, Bridget Rooney enjoys a life of luxury with her husband and kids. According to reports, the stunning actress and her husband have a combined net worth of over $1 billion. In addition, she dedicates her time to philanthropic activities.