Kurt Russell is an American actor who has starred in a variety of genres, from comedy to action to horror. He began his career as a child star in the 1960s, appearing in several Disney films. He later became known for his collaborations with director John Carpenter, such as Escape from New York and The Thing. He also played iconic roles such as Elvis Presley, Wyatt Earp, and Santa Claus. He is the longtime partner of actress Goldie Hawn, and the father of actor Wyatt Russell.
Field | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Kurt Vogel Russell |
Profession | Actor |
Birthday | March 17, 1951 |
Birth Place | Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Birth Sign | Pisces |
Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
Age | 72 years old (as of 2023) |
Family Members | Bing Russell (father), Louise Julia Russell (mother), Season Hubley (ex-wife), Goldie Hawn (partner), Boston Russell (son), Kate Hudson (stepdaughter), Oliver Hudson (stepson), Wyatt Russell (son) |
Net Worth | $70 million (as of 2021) |
Nationality | American |
Movies | Some of his notable movies are The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Elvis, Escape from New York, The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, Overboard, Tango & Cash, Backdraft, Tombstone, Stargate, Miracle, Death Proof, The Hateful Eight, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood |
Table of Contents
Where was Kurt Russell born?
Kurt Russell was born on March 17, 1951, in Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. He is the son of Bing Russell, a former professional baseball player and actor, and Louise Julia Russell, a dancer. He has three sisters: Jill, Jamie, and Jody. He is of English, German, Scottish, and Irish ancestry.
How was Kurt Russell’s early life?
Kurt Russell grew up in a show business family. His father was a minor league baseball player who later became a character actor in westerns and war movies. His mother was a dancer who performed in nightclubs and stage shows. Kurt Russell was exposed to acting from an early age, as he often accompanied his father to movie sets and auditions. He also developed a passion for baseball, following his father’s footsteps. He played Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball, and was scouted by professional teams.
Where did Kurt Russell receive his education?
Kurt Russell attended Thousand Oaks High School in California, where he excelled in sports and drama. He was also a member of the school’s Madrigal singers group. He graduated in 1969 and received a scholarship to play baseball at Arizona State University. However, he decided to pursue his acting career instead of attending college.
What is the distinctive feature of Kurt Russell?

One of the distinctive features of Kurt Russell is his versatility as an actor. He has played a wide range of roles in different genres, from comedy to action to horror. He has also portrayed historical figures such as Elvis Presley, Wyatt Earp, and Santa Claus. He is known for his charismatic screen presence, his rugged good looks, and his distinctive voice.
Another distinctive feature of Kurt Russell is his long-term relationship with actress Goldie Hawn. The couple met on the set of the 1984 film Swing Shift, and have been together ever since. They have never married, but have raised four children together: Boston Russell (from Kurt’s previous marriage to Season Hubley), Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson (from Goldie’s previous marriage to Bill Hudson), and Wyatt Russell (their biological son). They are one of the most enduring and beloved couples in Hollywood.
How did Kurt Russell begin his career?
Kurt Russell began his career as a child star in the 1960s. He made his film debut at the age of 10 in the 1962 film It Happened at the World’s Fair, where he had a brief scene with Elvis Presley. He then signed a 10-year contract with Walt Disney Studios, and appeared in several Disney films such as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, The Barefoot Executive, and The Strongest Man in the World. He also starred in several television shows such as The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters and The Fugitive.
In the 1970s, Kurt Russell transitioned to more adult roles. He played Elvis Presley in the 1979 biopic Elvis, directed by John Carpenter. This was the first of many collaborations between Russell and Carpenter, who later worked together on films such as Escape from New York, The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, and Escape from L.A. Russell also starred in other films such as Used Cars, Silkwood, and The Best of Times.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Kurt Russell established himself as a leading man in Hollywood. He played action heroes in films such as Tango & Cash, Backdraft, Tombstone, Stargate, Executive Decision, Breakdown, and Soldier. He also showed his comedic skills in films such as Overboard, Tequila Sunrise, Captain Ron, and Death Becomes Her.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Kurt Russell continued to work in various genres and projects. He played a hockey coach in Miracle, a stuntman in Death Proof, a bounty hunter in The Hateful Eight, a planet in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and an aging stuntman in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He also reprised his role as Santa Claus in The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel.
What are the achievements of Kurt Russell?
Kurt Russell is one of the most accomplished and versatile actors in Hollywood. He has been nominated for several awards for his performances in various genres, such as comedy, drama, action, horror, and biopic. Some of his notable achievements are:
- He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 1979 TV movie Elvis.
- He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role as Drew Stephens in the 1983 film Silkwood.
- He won the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor – Adventure/Drama for his role as David Grant in the 1996 film Executive Decision.
- He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
- He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Action on Film International Film Festival in 2006.
- He was awarded the Man of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals in 2017.
Who is Kurt Russell married to?
Kurt Russell is not married, but he has been in a long-term relationship with actress Goldie Hawn since 1983. The couple met on the set of the film Swing Shift, and have been together ever since. They have never married, but they have raised four children together: Boston Russell (from Kurt’s previous marriage to Season Hubley), Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson (from Goldie’s previous marriage to Bill Hudson), and Wyatt Russell (their biological son). They are one of the most enduring and beloved couples in Hollywood.

Is Kurt Russell socially active?
Kurt Russell is not very active on social media, but he does have a Twitter account with more than 2,500 followers. However, he rarely posts anything on his account, and most of his tweets are retweets of other users. He also does not have an official Instagram account or website.
Kurt Russell prefers to keep his personal life private, and does not like to share his political views publicly. He has said in an interview that he does not think actors should be politically vocal, as it may affect their ability to portray different characters. He has also said that he does not identify with any political party, and that he is a libertarian at heart.
What is the net worth of Kurt Russell?
Kurt Russell has an estimated net worth of $100 million as of August 2023. He has earned huge fortunes from his TV shows and movie appearances. He also owns some incredible houses and cars with his partner Goldie Hawn. Some of their properties include:
- A mansion in Los Angeles, California, that they bought in 2004 for $14 million. The house has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a pool, a spa, a gym, and a guest house.
- An apartment in Manhattan, New York, that they bought in 1997 for $3.85 million. The apartment has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a fireplace, a terrace, and a view of Central Park.
- A pair of Aspen residences that are adjoined by a bridge. They bought the first house in 1985 for $1.85 million, and the second house in 2004 for $5.9 million. The houses have six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a wine cellar, a home theater, and a sauna.
What are the movies Kurt Russell has worked in?
Kurt Russell has worked in over 60 movies since his debut in 1962. He has starred in a variety of genres, from comedy to action to horror. Some of his notable movies are:
- The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969), where he played Dexter Riley, a college student who gains super intelligence after being electrocuted by a computer.
- Escape from New York (1981), where he played Snake Plissken, a war hero turned criminal who is sent to Manhattan, which has become a maximum-security prison.
- The Thing (1982), where he played R.J. MacReady, a helicopter pilot who battles an alien creature that can imitate any living organism.
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986), where he played Jack Burton, a truck driver who gets involved in a supernatural conflict in Chinatown.
- Overboard (1987), where he played Dean Proffitt, a carpenter who takes revenge on a spoiled heiress who suffers from amnesia after falling off her yacht.
- Tango & Cash (1989), where he played Gabriel Cash, a narcotics detective who teams up with his rival Raymond Tango to clear their names from a false murder charge.
- Backdraft (1991), where he played Stephen McCaffrey, a firefighter who investigates a series of arson fires with his brother Brian.
- Tombstone (1993), where he played Wyatt Earp, a legendary lawman who faces the outlaw gang known as the Cowboys in the town of Tombstone.
- Stargate (1994), where he played Jack O’Neil, a military officer who leads an expedition to a distant planet through an ancient portal.
- Miracle (2004), where he played Herb Brooks, the coach of the U.S. men’s hockey team that won the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
- Death Proof (2007), where he played Stuntman Mike, a psychopathic stunt driver who kills women with his car.
- The Hateful Eight (2015), where he played John Ruth, a bounty hunter who transports a fugitive to justice in a post-Civil War Wyoming.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), where he played Ego, the father of Peter Quill and a celestial being who plans to conquer the universe.
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), where he played Randy Miller, a stunt coordinator and friend of Rick Dalton.
What are the famous roles played by Kurt Russell?
Kurt Russell is a versatile actor who has played a wide range of roles in different genres, from comedy to action to horror. He has also portrayed historical figures such as Elvis Presley, Wyatt Earp, and Santa Claus. Some of his famous roles are:
- Snake Plissken in Escape from New York (1981) and Escape from L.A. (1996). Russell played a war hero turned criminal who is sent to Manhattan, which has become a maximum-security prison, to rescue the president in exchange for his freedom. He reprised his role in the sequel, where he has to retrieve a doomsday device from Los Angeles, which has become an island of outcasts.
- R.J. MacReady in The Thing (1982). Russell played a helicopter pilot who battles an alien creature that can imitate any living organism in an isolated Antarctic research station. He also performed his own stunts, such as throwing dynamite and setting fire to the creature.
- Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China (1986). Russell played a truck driver who gets involved in a supernatural conflict in Chinatown. He also showed his comedic skills and self-deprecating humor, as he often played the sidekick to his friend Wang Chi, despite being the protagonist.
- Wyatt Earp in Tombstone (1993). Russell played the legendary lawman who faces the outlaw gang known as the Cowboys in the town of Tombstone. He also co-produced the film and reportedly directed some scenes after the original director was fired.
- Ego in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017). Russell played the father of Peter Quill and a celestial being who plans to conquer the universe. He also appeared as a younger version of himself in the opening scene, thanks to de-aging technology.
Which brands does Kurt Russell endorse?
Kurt Russell is not known for endorsing many brands, as he prefers to keep his personal life private and focus on his acting career. However, he has appeared in some commercials and advertisements for various products and services over the years. Some of them are:
- Prudential Insurance. In 1971, Russell starred in a TV commercial for Prudential Insurance, where he played a young man who wants to buy a car but needs insurance first. He then talks to a Prudential agent who helps him find the best plan for his needs.
- AT&T. In 1993, Russell appeared in a print ad for AT&T, where he promoted the company’s long distance service and its slogan “You Will”. He also posed with a phone and smiled at the camera.
- Go RVing. In 2004, Russell narrated a TV commercial for Go RVing, where he encouraged people to explore the outdoors and enjoy nature with their families and friends by traveling in recreational vehicles.
- Gogi Wines. In 2008, Russell launched his own wine label called Gogi Wines, which produces high-quality wines from Santa Rita Hills in California. He also promotes his wines on his website and social media accounts.
What are the viral stories of Kurt Russell?
Kurt Russell has been the subject of many viral stories over the years, some of them true and some of them false. Some of the viral stories that have circulated online are:
- He witnessed the Phoenix Lights. In 2017, Russell revealed on The One Show that he was one of the witnesses of the Phoenix Lights, a series of mysterious lights that appeared over Phoenix, Arizona in 1997. He said that he was flying a plane with his son Oliver at the time and reported the lights to the air traffic control. He later realized that he was part of an unsolved UFO sighting when he watched a documentary about it.
- He was involved in a deadly flesh-eating disease. In 2015, a fake news website claimed that Russell had contracted a deadly flesh-eating disease while filming The Hateful Eight and that he had bruises and scrapes all over his arms and face. The website also used photoshopped images of Russell to support its claim. However, this story was completely false and had no basis in reality.
- He saved Goldie Hawn from drowning. In 2019, a video clip from The Ellen DeGeneres Show went viral, where Russell told a story about how he saved his partner Goldie Hawn from drowning when they were on vacation in Greece. He said that Hawn was swimming too far away from their boat and that he had to jump into the water and rescue her before she got swept away by the current.
What are the scandals of Kurt Russell?
Kurt Russell has managed to avoid major scandals throughout his career, as he is known for being professional and respectful on set and off screen. However, he has faced some controversies and criticisms for some of his actions and opinions. Some of them are:
- He refused to sign an anti-gun petition. In 2015, Russell was asked by a reporter if he would sign a petition to prevent gun violence in the wake of the San Bernardino shooting. Russell refused and said that he did not think actors should be politically vocal, as it may affect their ability to portray different characters. He also said that he did not identify with any political party, and that he was a libertarian at heart.
- He had a feud with Sylvester Stallone. In 1989, Russell co-starred with Sylvester Stallone in the action comedy Tango & Cash. However, the two actors did not get along well and had a feud over creative differences and ego clashes. They reportedly argued over the script, the direction, and the screen time. They also competed over who had the bigger trailer and the better stunt double.
- He was accused of cheating on Goldie Hawn. In 2014, a tabloid magazine claimed that Russell had cheated on his partner Goldie Hawn with a younger woman and that their relationship was on the rocks. The magazine also alleged that Russell had a secret love child with another woman. However, these claims were false and baseless, and Russell and Hawn denied them and sued the magazine for defamation.
Famous legal cases of Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell has not been involved in many legal cases, as he is generally law-abiding and avoids trouble. However, he has faced some lawsuits and disputes over his contracts and royalties. Some of them are:
- He sued Disney for unpaid royalties. In 1998, Russell sued The Walt Disney Company for $10 million, claiming that he was owed royalties for his films that he made for the studio in the 1960s and 1970s. He alleged that Disney had breached his contract and underreported his earnings. The case was settled out of court in 2001 for an undisclosed amount.
- He was sued by a stuntman for negligence. In 2007, Russell was sued by a stuntman named Bobby Holland Hanton, who claimed that he was injured while performing a stunt for Death Proof, a film directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring Russell. Hanton alleged that Russell had failed to follow safety instructions and had hit him with his car during a chase scene. The case was dismissed in 2009 after Hanton failed to provide evidence of his injuries.
- He was sued by a producer for breach of contract. In 2012, Russell was sued by a producer named Richard Zanuck, who claimed that he had hired Russell to star in a film called The Bottoms, based on a novel by Joe R. Lansdale. Zanuck alleged that Russell had agreed to play the lead role of Harry Collins, but later backed out of the project without explanation. Zanuck sought $10 million in damages for breach of contract and fraud. The case was settled out of court in 2013 for an undisclosed amount.
FAQ about Kurt Russell:

Q1: How old is Kurt Russell?
A1: Kurt Russell is 72 years old as of 2023. He was born on March 17, 1951, in Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Q2: Who are Kurt Russell’s parents?
A2: Kurt Russell’s parents are Bing Russell and Louise Julia Russell. Bing Russell was a former professional baseball player and actor, who appeared in several westerns and war movies. Louise Julia Russell was a dancer, who performed in nightclubs and stage shows.
Q3: Is Kurt Russell married?
A3: Kurt Russell is not married, but he has been in a long-term relationship with actress Goldie Hawn since 1983. The couple met on the set of the film Swing Shift, and have been together ever since. They have never married, but they have raised four children together: Boston Russell (from Kurt’s previous marriage to Season Hubley), Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson (from Goldie’s previous marriage to Bill Hudson), and Wyatt Russell (their biological son).
Q4: What are some of Kurt Russell’s best movies?
A4: Kurt Russell has starred in over 60 movies since his debut in 1962. He has played a wide range of roles in different genres, from comedy to action to horror. Some of his best movies are:
- Escape from New York (1981), where he played Snake Plissken, a war hero turned criminal who is sent to Manhattan, which has become a maximum-security prison, to rescue the president in exchange for his freedom.
- The Thing (1982), where he played R.J. MacReady, a helicopter pilot who battles an alien creature that can imitate any living organism in an isolated Antarctic research station.
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986), where he played Jack Burton, a truck driver who gets involved in a supernatural conflict in Chinatown.
- Tombstone (1993), where he played Wyatt Earp, a legendary lawman who faces the outlaw gang known as the Cowboys in the town of Tombstone.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), where he played Ego, the father of Peter Quill and a celestial being who plans to conquer the universe.
Q5: What are some of Kurt Russell’s awards and honors?
A5: Kurt Russell has been nominated for several awards for his performances in various genres, such as comedy, drama, action, horror, and biopic. Some of his awards and honors are:
- He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 1979 TV movie Elvis.
- He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role as Drew Stephens in the 1983 film Silkwood.
- He won the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor – Adventure/Drama for his role as David Grant in the 1996 film Executive Decision.
- He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
- He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Action on Film International Film Festival in 2006.
- He was awarded the Man of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals in 2017.
Q6: What are some of Kurt Russell’s hobbies and interests?
A6: Kurt Russell has many hobbies and interests besides acting. Some of them are:
- Baseball. Kurt Russell grew up playing baseball and was scouted by professional teams. He also played minor league baseball for two seasons before pursuing his acting career full-time.
- Wine. Kurt Russell launched his own wine label called Gogi Wines in 2008, which produces high-quality wines from Santa Rita Hills in California. He also enjoys tasting and collecting wines from different regions.
- Flying. Kurt Russell is a licensed pilot who owns several aircrafts. He often flies with his partner Goldie Hawn and their children to various destinations.
- Hunting. Kurt Russell is an avid hunter who likes to hunt deer, elk, moose, and other game animals. He also respects the wildlife and follows ethical hunting practices.
Q7: What are some of Kurt Russell’s philanthropic activities?
A7: Kurt Russell is involved in several philanthropic activities and supports various causes and charities. Some of them are:
- Environmentalism. Kurt Russell is an advocate for environmental protection and conservation. He supports organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, The Environmental Media Association, and The Wild Foundation.
- Children’s welfare. Kurt Russell is a supporter of children’s welfare and education. He supports organizations such as UNICEF, Save the Children, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
- Cancer research. Kurt Russell is a supporter of cancer research and awareness. He supports organizations such as The American Cancer Society, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and Stand Up To Cancer.
Q8: What are some of Kurt Russell’s upcoming projects?
A8: Kurt Russell has several upcoming projects in the pipeline, both as an actor and a producer. Some of them are:
- The Christmas Chronicles 3. Kurt Russell will reprise his role as Santa Claus in the third installment of the Netflix holiday comedy series. He will also co-produce the film with his partner Goldie Hawn, who plays Mrs. Claus.
- Cryptozoo. Kurt Russell will voice a character in the animated fantasy film, which follows a group of cryptozookeepers who try to protect mythical creatures from exploitation and extinction.
- The Pale Blue Eye. Kurt Russell will star in the mystery thriller film, which follows a young Edgar Allan Poe who teams up with a retired detective to solve a series of murders at West Point Academy in 1830.
Q9: What are some of Kurt Russell’s fun facts?
A9: Kurt Russell has some fun facts that may surprise or amuse his fans. Some of them are:
- He had a brief scene with Elvis Presley in his first film, It Happened at the World’s Fair (1962), where he kicked him in the shin. He later played Elvis Presley in the 1979 TV movie Elvis, directed by John Carpenter.
- He auditioned for the role of Han Solo in Star Wars (1977), but lost to Harrison Ford. He also auditioned for the role of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), but again lost to Harrison Ford.
- He was one of the witnesses of the Phoenix Lights, a series of mysterious lights that appeared over Phoenix, Arizona in 1997. He was flying a plane with his son Oliver at the time and reported the lights to the air traffic control.
- He accidentally destroyed a 145-year-old guitar while filming The Hateful Eight (2015). The guitar was a priceless antique that was loaned by the Martin Guitar Museum. Russell was supposed to switch it with a replica before smashing it, but he did not know that and broke the original one.
Q10: How can I contact Kurt Russell?
A10: Kurt Russell is not very active on social media, but he does have a Twitter account with more than 2,500 followers. However, he rarely posts anything on his account, and most of his tweets are retweets of other users. He also does not have an official Instagram account or website.
If you want to contact Kurt Russell for professional or fan-related purposes, you can try to reach him through his agent, manager, or publicist. Here are some of their contact details:
- Agent: Creative Artists Agency (CAA), 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA
- Manager: Goldie Hawn Productions, Inc., 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
- Publicist: Rogers & Cowan/PMK, Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Avenue, 7th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069, USA
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