Kate Hudson Was ‘So Blissful’ She Didn’t Have Her Famous Mother’s Last Name

Kate Hudson is insisting that she didn’t grow up as privileged as people might think, despite being the daughter of Hollywood star Goldie Hawn and musician Bill Hudson.

The actress claimed during a recent podcast appearance that her parents never handed anything to her or her brother, Oliver.

Based on Kate Hudson, unlike the youngsters she saw in Los Angeles in her younger years, she didn’t “coast by” with parents who assisted them with “every little thing.”

Kate Hudson has opened up about growing up amid Hollywood privilege while being raised by parents who valued labor over entitlement.

Though her biological father is musician Bill Hudson, who was married to Goldie Hawn from 1976 to 1982, the actress and her brother Oliver were largely raised by Hawn and her long-time partner Kurt Russell, 74. Hudson has often described Russell as the daddy figure in her life.

On a recent episode of the “Blissful Sad Confused” podcast, Hudson reflected on her upbringing, recalling how her parents were firm about one principle: nothing can be handed to her.

“I grew up in L.A., where I saw kids coast by with parents who gave them every little thing,” she said, per Fox News Digital. “And I had the alternative parents.”

“We were clearly privileged kids,” she admitted, “but I do think that my parents were so adamant about how none of it belonged to us, like that we didn’t earn it, that as a way to get a life just like the one we were living, we needed to earn it ourselves.”

“That it might never be available to us unless we had the identical type of work ethic,” Hudson added.

Returning to Los Angeles for top school after her family moved to the outskirts of Aspen, Colorado, when she was young, Hudson attended the exclusive Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica.

At her school, she saw the stark contrast between her upbringing and that of a few of her peers.

The actress remembered classmates receiving luxury cars and gifts, while her parents emphasized discipline and energy over material rewards.

“You grow up, and also you see kids get cars that you simply’re like, whoa. We were the youngsters — and we’re privileged — and we’re like, ‘Wow, I can not imagine their parents bought them a brand new automotive,” she recalled.

Each Hudson and Oliver eventually followed careers in acting, with the “The way to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” actress admitting she took what her parents taught her “to heart.”

“For me, I actually took that to heart. I used to be like, ‘No, I can not — I won’t ever depend on my parents,'” she said.

The actress continued, “And that was my big thing. I won’t ever take a job due to them. I won’t. I don’t need anybody knowing they’re my parents. Once I first began, I used to be so glad my last name was Hudson. It was really, really essential to me.”

Hudson credits her parents for instilling a robust work ethic that shaped her profession. “When you really need to do that, should you really need to act, you have got to place within the discipline,” she reflected.

Hudson drew attention once more as she arrived on the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards in London, turning heads in a surprising red silk gown.

The 46-year-old “Song Sung Blue” star radiated old Hollywood glamour within the strapless Prada ensemble, featuring a cinched waist that highlighted her slender figure. She complemented the look with delicate jewelry, including a standout diamond choker.

In high spirits on the red carpet, Hudson’s radiant smile matched the joy of the evening. Her nomination for Best Leading Actress on the BAFTAs echoes her recent Oscar nod, marking 25 years since her first recognition in the identical category.

This yr, she faces competition from Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Chase Infiniti, Renata Reinsve, and Emma Stone.

Earlier in February, Hudson attended the twenty eighth Costume Designers Guild Awards on the Ebell in Los Angeles, where she was honored with the Highlight Award.

The accolade recognizes actors whose careers reflect an enduring dedication to excellence and a robust appreciation for the art of costume design.

Speaking with Fox News Digital on the red carpet, Hudson shared what advice she might give her younger self.

“I feel giving advice to my younger self can be like discounting all of the selections that I made that were also like good decisions — even the mistakes and those that were difficult decisions that I made formed every little thing for who I’m right away, so I would not return and do anything different,” she said.

Still, reflecting on her profession and her many memorable fashion moments on-screen, Hudson admitted to at least one small regret.

“You asked what I might do different and I used to be gonna say, I’d keep more clothes!” the actress joked.