Kurt Russell Put His ‘Worst Foot Forward’ When He Met Goldie Hawn

The longtime Hollywood pair has shared a strong, unbreakable bond for forty years without ever marrying, brought together by their shared love for acting.

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn’s paths intertwined twice before they began their romantic journey. Through the years, the longtime couple has reminisced about their early days together.

Their story began long before romance was in the picture. The two first met on the set of the 1968 musical film, “The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.”

During a joint interview on “CBS Sunday Morning,” Hawn recalled her initial thoughts about Russell, “I think for me, I mean, he was way too young for me. I was like dating older guys.” At the time, she was 20, while he was just 15. “I didn’t even have a car. I didn’t have a license,” Russell noted.

Years passed before their paths crossed again, this time under different circumstances. Both had gone through divorces and weren’t actively seeking a relationship when Russell auditioned for the 1984 romantic comedy “Swing Shift.”

Despite their shared history, Russell approached their reunion with a guarded mindset. “Matter of fact, when I met Goldie again, I was in a period of my life where I was very definitely going to put my worst foot forward when it came to any kind of relationship, with the possibility of a relationship,” he admitted.

The veteran star reasoned, “If you can handle that, then maybe there’s a chance of some reality there being together.” Hawn had a different perspective, noting that if Russell had truly led with his worst, they wouldn’t still be together.

He disagreed, pointing out that when they reconnected, he was “horribly hungover,” which, in his view, wasn’t exactly a strong start.

“But you were fun,” Hawn remarked, while Russell admitted he deliberately avoided putting his best foot forward. According to him, setting an unrealistic standard from the beginning creates expectations that are difficult to maintain.

The actor’s sincerity left a lasting impression on the actress. During an appearance on “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” Hawn remembered feeling “very attracted to him” during a lunch meeting in Los Angeles with producers.

As they parted ways, Russell turned back and said, “It’s okay if I don’t get this part, but I sure would like to see you again.” The moment struck her as romantic, but what happened later truly stood out.

When he visited her beachside home, Hawn watched as he quietly observed her two children — then six and four — from her previous marriage to musician Bill Hudson. The kids were asleep when Russell stood in their rooms, taking in the moment. Seeing his quiet appreciation, she thought to herself, “You’re amazing.”

That moment made everything clear for Hawn. She saw Russell as a family man, noting how he took his time observing her children, fully present in the moment. Afterward, they talked in another room before heading to work. When her children later visited the set, she knew — he was the one.

His appeal went beyond looks or charm. What stood out most was his commitment to family, a quality she deeply valued. His devotion to children matched her own, making that the most powerful part of their connection.

During her divorce from Bill, she had written in her diary, wondering if she would ever find someone who could love her children as much as she did. In Russell, she found that answer.

For Hawn, their relationship’s foundation was built on something deeper than shared opinions. The seasoned star acknowledged that she and Russell didn’t always see eye to eye, even holding different political views.

Despite potential differences, their strongest bond was their family, which she described as the greatest gift. That was where they thrived, found joy, and focused their energy.

As a couple, they never felt the need to marry, yet they created a blended family that remained their top priority. Their children include actors Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, Boston Russell from Russell’s marriage to Season Hubley, and their son, actor Wyatt Russell.

Hawn and Russell continue to embrace their life together, finding joy in their blended family, which now includes their five grandchildren. Through the years, Hawn has gained insight into what keeps a relationship strong. She believes the key ingredients are love, gratitude, compassion, family, fun, laughter, and intimacy.

A lasting partnership, the devoted family woman noted, requires effort and attention, adding, “If you don’t nurture that, and remember, you’re done.”

When discussing monogamy, she acknowledged that it isn’t always easy. She pointed out that during the prime of life, attraction to others and even fantasies can occur. However, the celebrity cautioned that failing to recognize those moments could jeopardize something truly meaningful.

Hawn believes the strength of a relationship isn’t about avoiding attraction to others but about how couples handle those feelings. She acknowledged that both she and Russell have experienced moments of noticing someone else, explaining that it’s simply human nature.

The Washington native pointed out that it’s common for partners to recognize when the other is drawn to someone, recalling conversations where one might say, “You really liked that guy, didn’t you?” or “You were looking at her.” Her response would always be honest: “Of course. Why not? She’s beautiful.”

To her, the idea that a person wouldn’t appreciate beauty is unrealistic. She believes relationships need a certain level of flexibility, comparing them to a rubber band — too much tension, and it will snap.

After four decades together, Hawn and Russell understand what they cherish most about each other, though expressing it isn’t always immediate.

During a joint Zoom interview for People, Russell began describing what he loved most, saying he appreciated the experiences in their life and felt grateful for his role in them. Before he could finish, Hawn playfully pointed out that she had yet to be mentioned.

The film star assured her that his answer was coming, then shared that what he values most is the way she radiates happiness, calling it “irresistible.”

Hawn admires Russell’s honesty, appreciating that he never pretends to be someone he isn’t. She is drawn to his playful nature, intelligence, and determination, considering him both a remarkable actor and a devoted father.

Feeling lucky, she said that knowing exactly what she loves about him makes her the winner, to which Russell jokingly agreed. Despite their strong bond, some habits remain unchanged. Hawn prefers sleeping in complete darkness, while Russell insists on keeping a light on.

Their ongoing debate has lasted decades, with neither budging. Russell laughs that his occasional bruises are proof of the struggle, as navigating the dark often leads to him bumping into walls on his way to the bathroom.

While their nightly routine sparks debate, their mornings come with their own quirks. Russell points out that Hawn has a habit of leaving milk residue in her cappuccino frother instead of rinsing it. He jokes that by the time he sees it, the dried milk is “just salmonella waiting for you to drink it.”

Hawn acknowledged the issue, explaining that she often plans to make another cup and doesn’t want to waste the milk. However, she admitted that she tends to forget, leaving the frother sitting until later.

Their playful dynamic carries into their work. Playing Santa and Mrs. Claus in “The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two” felt “like a vacation,” with Hawn saying that while small annoyances exist in any relationship, working together was effortless.

Their bond was further honored with side-by-side stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hawn was especially touched by Russell’s heartfelt speech, calling it “a lovefest.” His final words, “I’ll always cherish you,” were unexpected but deeply moving.

Their enduring love story has resonated with many, drawing admiration from fans who appreciate their authenticity. One person described them as “a kind of bridge between old Hollywood and the modern era,” praising their impressive careers. Another noted how “refreshing” it was to see a relationship built on honesty and normalcy.

Their charm and connection continue to win over audiences, with one commenter questioning how anyone could dislike them, adding, “Man, there’s some sour folks out there.”

After four decades together, Goldie Hawn and Russell have proven that love doesn’t need a marriage certificate to thrive. Their enduring bond, built on laughter, family, and deep appreciation for one another, continues to inspire fans who admire their genuine connection.