At just 12 years old, Kurt Russell made his big-screen debut by delivering a memorable kick to Elvis Presley’s shins in the 1963 film It Happened at the World’s Fair. But let’s be real, becoming a movie star wasn’t exactly part of his original plan. What Kurt truly dreamed of was playing baseball. He even got a taste of the big leagues, until a torn rotator cuff ended his promising career. "It took me a while to come to terms with not being a ballplayer," Kurt, now 68, has shared. "For a long time, I couldn’t even call myself an actor on my passport."
Still, life had other plans. Through the years, Kurt kept working, appearing in TV shows like "Gilligan’s Island," where he played "Jungle Boy," and Disney classics such as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. Fast forward to today, and he’s reprising that nostalgic era with a role in Quentin Tarantino's 1969-set drama Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood. This isn’t just another film for Kurt; it’s a trip down memory lane.
A Love Letter to Hollywood
“This movie is more than just a film—it’s a love letter to Hollywood,” Kurt once said. As he worked on the project, it brought back memories of his youth and the friends he made during the late '60s and early '70s. "That’s the world I grew up in," he reflected. And it was in that world where he met his long-time love, the radiant Goldie Hawn. Both appeared in the 1968 Disney musical The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, though they didn’t start dating until they co-starred in 1984’s Swing Shift.
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“When someone like Goldie Hawn comes into your life and makes you feel the way she does, you’re incredibly lucky,” Kurt has said with a smile. “It’s been 36 years, and it feels like a blink of an eye. I’m still madly in love. That doesn’t mean we don’t have to stay attentive and work at it—it’s all about nurturing the relationship.”
Lessons from Dad: Hard Work and Dedication
Kurt’s work ethic was shaped by his father, actor Bing Russell, who played Deputy Clem Foster on the iconic show "Bonanza." Young Kurt even guest-starred on the series twice. Bing had a simple philosophy: "You're being paid a man's salary, so you should do a man's job. Know your lines and be ready to work." Kurt couldn’t agree more. "It’s advice that applies to everything in life," he said.
