New picture of Kurt Russell confirms rumors – fans are all saying the same thing
|Kurt Russell’s journey in the film industry spans nearly his entire life, beginning as a Disney actor. He recalls his name being the last uttered by Walt Disney before his passing, marking the start of a remarkable career.
Now firmly entrenched in cinematic history, Russell’s enduring partnership with actress Goldie Hawn serves as a beacon of successful Hollywood relationships, spanning over four decades with no signs of wavering.
While recent years saw Russell stepping back from the limelight due to health issues and fewer film projects, the legendary actor has made a triumphant return, much to the delight of his fans.
Born on March 17, 1951, Russell’s upbringing in Thousand Oaks, California, was heavily influenced by his father’s love for baseball. Despite his father’s acting background, baseball dominated their lives, with Russell recalling fond memories of the sport shaping his childhood.
Although destined for the diamond, Russell was introduced to the acting world by his father, making his debut at age 12. His breakout role came opposite Elvis Presley in “It Happened At The World’s Fair,” where a memorable scene involved him kicking the iconic singer in the shins, a moment requiring numerous takes to perfect.
Reflecting on his time with Elvis, Russell fondly remembers the singer’s kindness and camaraderie, bonding over their shared love for baseball between takes.
Despite his early success in acting, baseball remained Russell’s passion, even as he signed a decade-long contract with Disney during high school. His journey epitomizes a delicate balance between two worlds, with baseball always holding a special place in his heart.
Kurt Russell’s adolescence was marked by his rapid rise as a popular child actor, a journey significantly influenced by none other than Walt Disney himself.
Disney’s Last Words: “Kurt Russell”
Securing a remarkable 10-year deal with Disney, Russell starred in numerous productions during his teenage years, including his debut in the 1966 film “Follow Me, Boys!” followed by notable roles in “The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band” (1968), “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” (1969), and “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t” (1972), among others.
Walt Disney’s status as a cinematic legend looms large, with his untimely passing in 1966 coinciding with Russell’s formative years. Yet, a revelation a couple of years later left Russell astounded: Walt Disney’s last words were reportedly “Kurt Russell.”
Recalling the revelation in an interview with the Huffington Post, Russell described a meeting where he was informed that Disney’s final written words included his name, although the context remained a mystery to him. Despite the enigma surrounding this revelation, Russell cherished his relationship with Disney, likening the studio mogul to a beloved grandfather.
Baseball’s Collision with Acting
Despite his burgeoning success in acting, baseball remained Russell’s primary passion, with aspirations of a professional career. Excelling as a second baseman in high school and later in minor league teams, Russell’s dreams were abruptly shattered by a devastating rotator cuff injury.
The turning point came when a blunt doctor delivered the news of his career-ending injury, inadvertently steering Russell toward a new path in acting. Despite initial devastation, Russell embraced his new calling and embarked on a storied acting career, earning accolades for performances in iconic films like “Escape From New York” (1981), “Silkwood” (1983), “Tombstone” (1993), and “The Hateful Eight” (2015).
However, beyond his cinematic triumphs, Russell’s enduring love story with Goldie Hawn stands as his greatest success, spanning over four decades and solidifying his status as a Hollywood legend.
Goldie and Kurt’s paths first crossed during the filming of “The Only and Only, Genuine Original Family Band” in 1966.
“I was 21, and he was 16,” recalled Hawn in a BBC interview. “I thought he was adorable, but he was much too young. Then, years later, we met again, and I remembered that I liked him very much when I first met him. We both said we would never date another actor, so it just shows you never can tell.”
However, their romantic journey didn’t commence immediately.
Goldie Hawn tied the knot with actor Gus Trikonis in 1969, with the marriage ending after four years. In June 1976, she obtained a divorce, later marrying Bill Hudson, only to part ways six years later.
Their paths intersected once more in 1983 while filming “Swing Shift.” Russell’s attempt at a pickup line, “Man, you’ve got a great figure,” was met with Hawn’s gracious response, despite Russell’s admission of being somewhat hungover at the time.
At the time of their reconnection, Hawn already had two children from her marriage with Bill Hudson: son Oliver, born on September 7, 1976, and daughter Kate, born on April 19, 1979.
In a touching moment recounted by their children on their podcast “Sibling Revelry,” Kate and Oliver reminisce about the night Kurt entered their lives. Kate recalls being about three years old, while Oliver was six when Kurt first visited their Malibu home.
As they slept, Kurt sat beside them, watching over each child in turn, a gesture that captured Hawn’s heart. This marked the beginning of their enduring bond.
Their love blossomed further with the arrival of their son, Wyatt Russell, in 1986. Despite their lasting commitment to each other and successful careers in show business, Goldie and Kurt have chosen not to formalize their relationship through marriage.
For them, the strength of their connection transcends conventional labels. Instead, they find fulfillment in their unwavering devotion and shared experiences, occasionally referring to each other as husband and wife while cherishing the independence and space within their relationship.
Goldie emphasized the importance of closure in decision-making, stating, “If you leave the door open, you’ll never walk out of it. Sometimes, if you close the door and there is a sense of finality, a lot of things happen to people.”
At 72 years old, Kurt Russell could easily retire, yet his passion for acting remains undiminished. Set to star in the upcoming Godzilla movie, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” recent images of Russell indicate he is in excellent shape and spirits.
The film holds special significance for the Hawn/Russell family, as Kurt’s son, Wyatt, will also feature in the movie, portraying the same character at different ages, a unique opportunity celebrated by director Matt Shakman.
The casting news has sparked excitement among fans, with many expressing their anticipation on social media platforms. Comments such as “excellent casting,” “I will be seated,” and “awesome to act alongside your own father” underscore the enthusiasm surrounding this familial collaboration.
With Kurt Russell’s iconic presence and Wyatt Russell’s promising talent, the film promises to be an exhilarating cinematic experience, blending the legacy of a Hollywood legend with the emergence of a new talent.