Kurt Russell To Undergo Hip Surgery That Doctor Says Can't Be Delayed

Sep 14, 2021

Kurt Russell has been a familiar face in Hollywood for decades now — not only for his acting work but also for his long-standing relationship with actress Goldie Hawn, with whom he shares a blended family that includes actors Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson and Wyatt Russell. 

In fact, Kurt has been acting since he was a kid, getting his Hollywood debut in an uncredited role in the 1963 film "It Happened at the World's Fair" when he was just 12. The son of actor and professional baseball player Bing Russell, Kurt was born with the acting bug it seems.

From his start with The Walt Disney Company in 1966 to becoming a Hollywood heartthrob in the '70s, '80s and beyond, Kurt has left an impression on fans everywhere. While he's acted in a wide range of roles over the years, one genre that he is often associated with is the Western. 

Having starred in movies "Tombstone," "Bone Tomahawk" and more recently, "The Hateful Eight," it's no surprise then to learn that Kurt is set to be inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers, which is based in Oklahoma City.

The actor was set to appear at the 60th annual Western Heritage Awards at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in October 2021, but unfortunately, Kurt has had to delay going as he has to undergo urgent hip surgery. Explaining that he couldn't delay the surgery due to his doctor's orders, Kurt's induction into the Hall of Great Western Performers has now been postponed for 2022. Let's take a look.

Kurt released an offiicial statement after announcing he wouldn't be able to make this year's ceremony, which the Oklahoman reported on. His statement referred to his hip surgery, explaining:

“I had hoped it could wait, but my doctors said it needs to be this September."

He went on to explain that he's sad to miss this year's ceremony but that he's looking forward to being inducted next year:

"As much as I hate missing this year, I’m grateful to the museum for being willing to move our recognition to 2022 so I can be there in-person to accept this great honor."

Alongside his own recognition, the actor will be present for his father's own posthumous induction into the Hall of Great Western Performers. His dad Bing (1926–2003) is remembered for his role as Deputy Clem Foster on "Bonanza," as well as Robert in "The Magnificent Seven." It's a great honor that both of the Russells will be recognized for their outstanding work in the Western genre and no doubt extra meaningful that Kurt will be there in honor of his father.

But it's not the first time Kurt has been honored for his acting work and it's not the first time he'll be accepting it with someone very close to him either — back in 2017, he and Hawn both accepted stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a shared ceremony! The day was clearly full of a lot of love, with the couple posing together and even sharing a sweet kiss for the cameras.

The Hollywood golden couple are well known for their decades-long love story, having been together for over 38 years. The two actors are no strangers to starring in movies together either — after all, they began dating after filming "Swing Shift" together in 1983 and even appeared in more movies together afterward. In fact, it was on the set of a movie in 1966 that they met for the first time, but their age difference at the time — Kurt was 15 while Hawn was 20 — prohibited them from seeing each other in a romantic light. 

But once they reconnected in the early '80s, after each had been married and already had children, the couple became inseparable and have only gone from strength to strength. Together they created their now well-known blended family comprised of Oliver and Kate, who Hawn had with her ex-husband Bill Hudson, while Kurt already had Boston Russell, who he shares with ex-wife Season Hubley. The couple went on to have a child together named Wyatt. 

However, one interesting thing about their relationship is that the couple never chose to get married. Hawn openly discussed the topic in a 2007 interview with Woman's Day magazine. Asked why they won't head down the aisle, Hawn responded: 

"Because we have done just perfectly without marrying. I already feel devoted and isn't that what marriage is supposed to do?"

She's perfectly right, and not only are the couple still going strong, but they're also still acting together! Recently they teamed up on the movie "The Christmas Chronicles" and its sequel "The Christmas Chronicles 2," which was just released in Nov. 2020. In the movies, they fittingly play the roles of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus — what an iconic pairing to play the beloved characters!

Are you a fan of Kurt Russell's Western film roles? Which is your favorite? Pass this on to your friends so they can hear about the news too.