Kate Hudson Turned Down Role in Kurt Russell Film to Avoid Being Defined by Their Connection

Published: June 6, 2025

Kate Hudson has revealed that she turned down a role in her stepfather Kurt Russell's 1996 film Escape from L.A. because she didn't want her career to be defined by her connection to him.

The actress, 46, shared her story during a live Awards Chatter podcast panel at the inaugural Newport Beach TV Fest, where she talked about her early days on film sets with her mom Goldie Hawn and stepdad Kurt Russell.

"I sort of realized, 'Oh, this is when you start to make choices that will define your career...' And, 'Do I want to be defined by being Kurt's daughter who got this part? No,'" Hudson explained.

Hudson added that she didn't want people to think she got the part because of her connection to him, rather than her own abilities.

The actress has been open about her love for film, which was sparked by spending time on her parents' film sets. She even worked as a "runner" for wardrobe and makeup on some of their films.

Hudson recalled telling her parents at 11 years old that she wanted to be an actress, but her mom Goldie Hawn wanted her to lead a "normal life." She didn't start auditioning seriously until she was 16.

Despite turning down the role in Escape from L.A., Hudson continued to audition and eventually landed her breakthrough role in 2000's Almost Famous.

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