Kurt Russell

About

Kurt Russell is a renowned American actor, born on March 17, 1951, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Often associated with action films, Russell began his career as a child actor in the late 1950s, emerging as a popular star with Disney, featuring in several successful family films. He rose to significant prominence in the 1980s with landmark roles in movies like 'Escape from New York', 'The Thing', and 'Big Trouble in Little China'. He is also well-known for his long-term collaboration with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, having appeared in films such as 'Death Proof', 'The Hateful Eight', and 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'. Russell has been in a relationship with actress Goldie Hawn since 1983, and they both have a son, Wyatt Russell, who is also an actor.

Associated With

Kurt Russell is a respected figure in the film industry with numerous professional and personal associations. His most significant connection is with actress Goldie Hawn, with whom he shares a longstanding romantic relationship since 1983 and has appeared in several films alongside, including 'Swing Shift' and 'Overboard'. Professionally, he has maintained a long-term collaborative relationship with director John Carpenter, starring in his films like 'Escape from New York', 'The Thing', and 'Big Trouble in Little China'. He's also associated with Quentin Tarantino, having worked with him in movies like 'Death Proof', 'The Hateful Eight', and 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'. Russell's acting career also brought him proximity to other renowned actors such as Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham through 'The Fate of the Furious' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2', adding further depth to his extensive network within the industry.

Career Highlights

• 1963: Kurt Russell had early beginnings as a child actor, starring in television shows like "Dennis the Menace" and "The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters."
• 1969: Russell transitioned to film, acting in "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" as the character Dexter Riley, which was a successful Disney series.
• 1979: The actor's breakout role was in John Carpenter’s television biopic "Elvis," where he played Elvis Presley. He received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Special for his performance.
• 1981: Teaming up again with Carpenter, Russell starred in the classic horror film "The Thing," which became notable due to its highly memorable special effects.
• 1986: Russell gave another memorable performance in "Big Trouble in Little China," showcasing his flexibility as an actor.
• 1987: He starred in "Overboard," where Russell and future real-life partner Goldie Hawn displayed their chemistry on screen.
• 1996: He played the role of Snake Plissken in "Escape from L.A.." The role is associated as one of Russell's most iconic characters.
• 2004: Russell was nominated for a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Acting Ensemble for his role in "Miracle."
• 2007: The actor showcased his rougher side as Stuntman Mike in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof." This role earned him a nomination at Chlotrudis Awards for Best Supporting Actor.
• 2015: He worked with Tarantino again in "The Hateful Eight," gaining a nomination for Best Acting Ensemble by the Boston Society of Film Critics. He was also nominated for Best Acting Ensemble by the San Diego Film Critics Society for his role in "Bone Tomahawk" the same year.
• 2017: He played Ego in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," further expanding his role repertoire by delving into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• 2020: Russell returned to the Disney folds as Santa Claus in "The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two," showcasing his enduring popularity and talent.

Notable Awards

• Kurt Russell has had a successful career in the film industry but surprisingly has not won any major acting awards like the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, or Golden Globe Awards. However, he has been nominated for several awards, such as a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie for the Elvis TV Movie. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Elvis in the same TV movie. He won a Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor – Action/Science Fiction for his role in the movie "Stargate" in 1995. It should be noted that despite not having many awards, Kurt Russell is highly respected in the industry for his numerous memorable performances.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Kurt Russell Movie/TV Show?

Kurt Russell is a renowned actor with a wide range of popular movies and TV shows under his belt. Based on critical acclaim, box office success, and lasting cultural impact, one of his most popular roles is arguably as R.J. MacReady in "The Thing" (1982), directed by John Carpenter. This science fiction horror film has amassed a cult following over the years and is still considered a classic in its genre. However, his performances in other films such as "Escape from New York" (1981) and "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986), as well as his role in Quentin Tarantino’s "The Hateful Eight" (2015) and his portrayal of Ego in Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017) are also very popular.

How Did Kurt Russell Get Famous?

Kurt Russell gained fame through his career as an actor that kicked off as a child in the late 1950s. However, his breakthrough came in early 1970s when he signed a 10-year contract with The Walt Disney Company, making him the studio's top star of the 1970s. He gained great popularity through Disney films like "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" and its sequels. Later, his notable performances in movies like "Escape from New York," "The Thing," and "Big Trouble in Little China" under director John Carpenter further propelled his fame, firmly establishing him as a versatile and distinguished actor in Hollywood.