Since 1998 and the early 2000s, Kate Hudson has taken the title of rom-com queen. While many love her take on romantic comedies, Kate Hudson has impacted Hollywood with her various movie roles filled with grit, emotion, and humor.
Let’s dive into the life and movie career of Kate Hudson.
About Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson is the daughter of Academy Award-winning actress Goldie Hawn and musician Bill Hudson. When her parents divorced when she was 18 months old, Kate and her brother (actor Oliver Hudson) were raised by their mother and her boyfriend, actor Kurt Russell. She has three half-siblings from her father’s later marriage and one half-brother, actor Wyatt Russell from her mother’s relationship with Kurt Russell.
In 1997, Kate Hudson graduated from a college preparatory school in Santa Monica, Crossroads, and was accepted at NYU for undergrad. However, she decided to pursue her dreams of an acting career instead of attending college.
Kate Hudson’s parents: she shares a strong bond with her celeb mother, Goldie Hawn
While it could be hard for some parent-child relationships to share the Hollywood spotlight, the mother-daughter duo is inseparable. In PEOPLE’s 2020 cover issue, Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn speak fondly of their relationship. “My mom gave me the floor to be able to feel confident enough to go out and feel like my life could be my own,” Kate tells PEOPLE. “Mom was my greatest cheerleader.”
Both Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn show their great love for each other on Instagram. For Kate’s birthday in April, Goldie posted an adorable throwback of the two.
What a cute mother-daughter relationship!
Who is Kate Hudson’s husband?
In 2000, Kate Hudson married the frontman of the Black Crowes, Chris Robinson. Then, in 2004, she had her first child, Ryder Russell Robinson. Kate and Chris divorced in 2007. She had her second child with Muse lead singer Matt Bellamy in 2011, a son named Bingham Hawn Bellamy.
Currently, she is in a relationship with musician Danny Fujikawa. The two welcomed their daughter, Rani Rose Hudson Fujikawa, in 2018.
In an interview with Today, Kate Hudson opened up about her experience raising three kids with three different men:
“I’ve got multiple dads, I’ve got kids all over the place. The only expectations I really have that are really high on my life is with my kids and with family stuff. Other than that, it’s like, I just let it go … I work my ass off, and then I walk away, and I hope for the best.”
As she shares multiple photos of her children on social media, it’s evident that they all have a close and special bond.
Kate Hudson movies: Desert Blue (1998)
Kate Hudson made her film debut starring in the dramedy Desert Blue. The story follows a rising Hollywood actress who gets stuck in a small desert town with her father when she joins him on a road trip. She meets the town’s residents during her stay, including a girl (Christina Ricci) who has a fascination with pipe bombs and a boy (Brendan Sexton III) who wants to build a waterpark in the desert.
You can watch Desert Blue on YouTube or Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: Almost Famous (2000)
In her most memorable role to date, Kate Hudson plays Penny Lane, lead groupie or so-called “Band-Aid,” in Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical film Almost Famous. Set in the early 1970s, the movie follows teenage journalist Willam Miller (Patrick Fugit) and his time touring with the rock band Stillwater.
In the film, Kate Hudson’s ethereal character is adored by many, including Stillwater lead guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and William. Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Anna Paquin, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Zooey Deschanel also star.
It’s all happening… pic.twitter.com/fd9zxV7ctv
— Eric Alper ? (@ThatEricAlper) May 26, 2021
Initially, Kate earned the role of William’s sister, with Sarah Polley as Penny Lane. When Sarah Polley dropped out, director Cameron Crowe decided to cast Kate in the lead role because of her dedication to the film. “She got Penny because of her loyalty,” Crowe told Rolling Stone. “She hung in and had turned down leads in other movies just to play the part of the sister in our movie.”
The film went on to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Film for a Musical or Comedy, while Kate Hudson won the award for Best Actress. In 2001, the movie’s soundtrack won a GRAMMY award for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Almost Famous, Cameron Crowe, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, and Patrick Fugit sat down with Rolling Stone to talk about the impact of the film 20 years later. In the interview, Kate reminisced about the filming, calling the experience “Rock school.”
“I have a moment in Rock School that felt like, I’ll never forget it. It might be something on my deathbed, like when your life flashes before your eyes … it was all of us in the room and Jason Lee (Jeff Bebe) was being a total doofus, funny guy, and Billy was, like, very serious and trying to figure out his thing, and we were all just having the most — I can’t explain how much fun it was but it just felt like a magical group of people.”
‘Almost Famous’ Reunion: Cameron Crowe and the Film’s Stars Look Back https://t.co/0Oy3koXYxg
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) July 28, 2020
Even today, people show their admiration for Kate Hudson’s Penny Lane.
while i will never do Kate Hudson or Penny Lane justice, i figured i’d give it a shot pic.twitter.com/uKZKbHz9FX
— delaney (@delaneyshawgo) October 31, 2016
While no one is Penny Lane or Kate Hudson, Delaney did a pretty great rendition.
I’m going to start basing all my looks on kate hudson/ penny lane in ‘almost famous’
— Dest ???♀️ (@fairydest) August 27, 2016
Where’s the faux coat when we need it?
#NowWatching #AlmostFamous (2000) pic.twitter.com/UO4KbkZaas
— Alec Price (@AlecFPrice) April 30, 2020
We’ll always have a love for Miss Penny Lane.
Almost Famous is streaming on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: The Four Feathers (2002)
Kate Hudson stars alongside Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, and Djimon Hounsou in the war drama film, The Four Feathers. Based on the French movie by A.E.W. Mason, a young British officer, must redeem his honor after being accused of cowardice. Kate plays Ethne Eustace, the lover of British officer Harry Faversham (played by Heath Ledger).
In a behind-the-scenes interview, Kate Hudson describes her character Ethne as a direct representation of a young English girl in the late 1800s. “She’s quite simple,” she explains, “and slightly repressed in the sense that a lot of women were at that time.
Check out more of the interview below:
You can watch The Four Feathers on HBO Max.
Kate Hudson movies: Alex & Emma (2003)
Rob Reiner’s romantic comedy Alex & Emma follows Alex Sheldon (Luke Wilson), a writer who must publish his novel in 30 days to pay off deadly loan sharks. To speed up the writing process, he hires a stenographer named Emma (played by Kate Hudson). Alex’s book focuses on a failed love affair based on his failed real-life relationship, but when he starts to fall in love with Emma, his story changes.
The film is loosely based on author Fyodor Dostoevsky and his experience falling in love with his stenographer while writing his 1866 novel The Gambler.
Buy or rent Alex & Emma on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
In the iconic romantic comedy, How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey are lovers with ulterior motives. The film is based on Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long’s comic book of the same name.
Kate Hudson stars as Andie Anderson, a journalist who gets inspired by her best friend (Kathryn Hahn) to write an article on how to drive a man away in 10 days. However, she ends up setting her sights on Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey), an executive who wants to prove to his supervisor that he can make any woman fall in love with him within ten days. The cast also features Adam Goldberg, Annie Parisse, and Thomas Lennon.
The movie earned box office success by grossing over $100 million. To this day, fans still rave about Kate Hudson’s wardrobe from the film. Especially the yellow dress.
It’s been 18 years since ‘How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days’ first premiered and yep, we’re still obsessed with Andie’s yellow dress.(?: Shutterstock) pic.twitter.com/jnZsfWZbcc
— The Zoe Report (@thezoereport) January 27, 2021
We just can’t stop thinking about it!
i want ALL of kate hudson’s outfits in how to lose a guy in 10 days
— ? (@wewillbalrightt) March 13, 2021
Where can we find her wardrobe?
What is the greatest outfit to ever grace a movie screen and why is it the yellow dress from How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days?
— Lauren Powell (@boomboom_powell) May 19, 2021
You read our minds.
Buy or rent How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: The Skeleton Key (2005)
Kate Hudson takes a break from rom-coms in the supernatural horror film, The Skeleton Key. She plays a young New Orleans hospice nurse, Caroline, who gets caught in a paranormal mystery when she begins a job at an elderly couple’s mansion.
The cast includes Gena Rowlands, John Hurt, Peter Sarsgaard, and Joy Bryan.
The Skeleton Key is streaming on Hulu.
Kate Hudson movies: Fool’s Gold (2008)
Kate Hudson teams up with Matthew McConaughey again for the action-comedy romance film Fool’s Gold. The film follows a recently divorced couple who reignite their romantic relationship when searching to find lost treasure in the ocean. Donald Sutherland, Alexis Dziena, Ray Winstone, and Kevin Hart also star.
Kate told PEOPLE that all diving in the movie was real. “I got certified [for scuba] on the Great Barrier Reef!” she says, “I carry my certificate around with me in my wallet. Matthew got certified in five seconds, but it took me a couple of weeks.”
The film’s opening weekend in 2008 reached number one at the box office, grossing $21.5 million.
You can watch Fool’s Gold on HBO Max.
Kate Hudson movies: Bride Wars (2009)
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are best friends turned rivals in the film Bride Wars. After scheduling their weddings on the same day, both women attempt to sabotage each other’s special events. Kate plays Liv Lerner, an attorney who tries to act perfect and always wants her way, while Anne plays Emma Allan, a middle school teacher whose passive nature causes her to put others’ needs before her own.
The film was directed by Gary Winick and featured Kristen Johnston, Bryan Greenberg, Candice Bergen, Steve Howey, and Chris Pratt. Kate Hudson serves as one of three producers in the movie.
The movie went on to earn 5 Teen Choice Award nominations, including a nomination for Kate Hudson for Choice Comedy Movie Actress.
Fans still can’t forget Kate’s iconic blue dye moment:
I really had a serious conversation with my dad all while my face is completely blue???
— vanessa (@vanessalorenaa_) July 17, 2019
Bride Wars is streaming on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: Nine (2009)
In the movie musical Nine, Kate Hudson shows off her singing and dancing skills as she takes on Vogue fashion journalist Stephanie Necrophorus. Based on the 1982 musical of the same name, the film tells the story of filmmaker Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he faces challenges in his career and personal life. Simultaneously he must balance all the needs of the women in his life, including his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), mistress Carla (Penélope Cruz), leading actress Claudia Jensen (Nicole Kidman), and costume designer Liliane La Fleur (Judi Dench).
The film was nominated for four Academy Awards in 2009, including Best Supporting Actress, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Song.
Listen to Kate Hudson’s rendition of “Cinema Italiano” below:
Kate spoke with Oprah about her experience filming, saying, “It was so fun, truly maybe the best experience to date on a film for sure.”
You can watch Nine on YouTube and Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: Something Borrowed (2011)
Kate Hudson plays Darcy, a best friend betrayed, in the romantic comedy Something Borrowed. The film follows Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) and the aftermath of sleeping with her longtime crush Dex (Colin Egglesfield), her best friend Darcy’s fiancé. John Krasinski, Steve Howey, and Ashley Williams also star.
Watch the trailer below:
Buy or rent Something Borrowed on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012)
Kate Hudson stars alongside Riz Ahmed, Liev Schreiber, and Kiefer Sutherland in the political thriller drama film The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Based on the novel by Mohsin Hamid, the story focuses on the aftermath of 9/11 and how one Pakistani man, Changez Khan, is affected by how Americans treat him in relation to the attacks.
The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and Toronto Film Festival in 2012 before its release in movie theaters in 2013. Director Mira Nair spoke highly of Kate Hudson’s performance as Changez Khan’s girlfriend in the movie. “Of course, we all know of the effervescence of Kate Hudson,” Mira Nair tells The Los Angeles Daily News, “but I had no idea of her worldliness and her intelligence and curiosity about doing things that are way beyond what she’s normally known to do.”
You can watch The Reluctant Fundamentalist on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: Wish I Was Here (2014)
Kate Hudson plays Zach Braff’s wife in the comedy-drama, Wish I was Here. Directed and co-written by Zach Braff, the film revolves around a struggling actor in Los Angeles who faces challenges when juggling his career and family.
In an interview with Metro, Zach Braff praised Kate Hudson’s performance.
“She’s extraordinary. What I like about Kate in this movie is that, much like Almost Famous, she shows a raw side of her that isn’t the romcom star we so often see. She’s great at that stuff but I know underneath that is a really skilled artist.”
In 2014, the film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival with a limited release in theaters. The cast also includes Josh Gad, Ashley Greene, Joey King, and Mandy Patinkin.
Watch the trailer below:
Wish I Was Here is streaming on Netflix.
Kate Hudson movies: Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
With a knack for voice acting, Kate Hudson took part in the animated film Kung Fu Panda 3. She joined an ensemble of actors including Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, J.K. Simmons, Seth Rogan, Lucy Liu, David Cross, and Jackie Chan.
As the series’s final installment, Po (Jack Black) must train a group of clumsy pandas to become martial arts fighters to save their world from a supernatural warrior.
Catch Kate Hudson and the rest of the cast at the premiere with coverage by Hollywood.com!
Watch the trailer below:
You can watch Kung Fu Panda 3 on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: Mother’s Day (2016)
The Garry Marshall romantic dramedy follows several different characters and how they intertwine on Mother’s Day. Kate Hudson plays Jesse, who hasn’t told her parents about her marriage or children.
The film also stars Jennifer Anniston as Sandy, who is recently divorced. Julia Roberts is Miranda, an author who gave up her child for adoption. Jason Sudeikis plays Bradley, a former marine who recently lost his wife. As the film goes on, each character has a connection with every person in the movie, creating a full-circle moment.
Watch the trailer below:
Mother’s Day is streaming on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson movies: Marshall (2017)
In the biographical drama Marshall, Kate Hudson stars as wealthy socialite Elenor Strubing. The movie revolves around the first African American Supreme Court Justice (Chadwick Boseman)and his first case to defend Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown), a Black chauffeur who has been accused of rape by Elenor Strubing in 1940s Connecticut.
The film went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for “Stand Up for Something.”
While it was difficult for her to step into the role, Kate Hudson expressed to the Press Association (via The Irish News) why she needed to help tell this story. “I think it’s just important to be a part of movies that make people continue to have the dialogue,” she says. “It would be amazing if movies could actually inspire younger generations to fight like Thurgood Marshall.”
You can watch Marshall on Pluto TV.
Kate Hudson movies: Music (2021)
Kate Hudson’s most recent film to date is Sia’s 2021 musical drama Music. She plays Zu Gamble, a sober drug dealer who becomes the sole guardian of her younger nonverbal autistic half-sister, Music (Maddie Ziegler). With help from neighbor and boxer Ebo (Leslie Odom Jr.), Music and Zu develop a meaningful relationship. Héctor Elizondo, Ben Schwartz, and Tig Notaro also star.
Buy or rent Music on Amazon Prime.
Kate Hudson upcoming movies: Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon
Kate Hudson is in the upcoming fantasy film Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon. According to Deadline, the movie “tells the story of a girl with unusual and dangerous powers who escapes from a mental asylum and tries to make it on her own in New Orleans.” The film is directed by Ana Lily Amirpour and stars breakout Korean actress Jun Jong-Seo, Craig Robinson, Ed Skrien, and Evan Whitten.
Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon’s release date has not been announced.
Kate Hudson upcoming movies: Shriver
Kate Hudson will star in the upcoming comedy Shriver. Based on the novel by Chris Belden, the film follows a handyman Shriver (played by Michael Shannon), who gets mistaken for a writer and is brought to a university to give a keynote address. The cast includes Don Johnson, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Jimmi Simpson, Zach Braff, Mark Boone Junior, and Aja Naomi King.
According to their Instagram, the movie is currently in post-production with no release date.
Kate Hudson upcoming movies: Knives Out 2
Deadline reports that Kate Hudson will be in Rian Johnson’s upcoming Knives Out sequel. She joins Dave Bautista, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Edward Norton, Madelyn Cline, and Jessica Henwick, who were recently added to the cast. Daniel Craig will reprise his role as detective Benoit Blanc.
While we don’t know the plot yet, Hollywood Reporter shares that filming is set to shoot this summer in Greece.
Kate Hudson TV shows: Glee
Although Kate Hudson is known for her movie roles, she also spent some time on the hit TV show Glee. In season 5, she plays the recurring character Cassandra July, the aggressive and challenging college dance teacher of Rachel Berry (Lea Michele).
Speaking with Access Hollywood, Kate Hudson shared her excitement about her new TV role. “Yeah, [I had] nerves, but [I was] more excited I think because it’s like being a little kid again,” she says, “Doing all three – singing and dancing and acting and I love it. I just love it!”
You can listen to her remix of “Americano/ Dance Again” below:
Kate Hudson has her own athletic lifestyle brand
Kate Hudson has extended her talents to clothing. In 2013, Kate Hudson collaborated with Adam Goldenberg and Don Ressler to create the athletic apparel called Fabletics. According to their website, “Fabletics brings the fashion-house approach into the activewear space.” The clothing line offers activewear for both men and women.
Why rom-com fans love Kate Hudson
While Kate Hudson has experimented with every movie genre possible, fans still cherish her romantic comedy days. From How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days to Something Borrowed, people see something special in each character she plays.
Need that Kate Hudson’s early 2000s rom coms confidence
— Kennedy (@kennedymaesmith) January 7, 2017
We need it. Right now.
kate hudson and cameron diaz are the QUEENS of rom coms fight me idc
— carol ? (@goodhew21) October 14, 2020
Totally agree with you.
Legally we can’t have anymore superhero movies until we get at least 2 Dakota Johnson-helmed rom coms and a Kate Hudson/Matthew McConaughy jam
— amil (@amil) February 5, 2019
We’ll be waiting.
They need to start making good rom coms again. I need the golden era of Kate Hudson and J Lo and Matthew McConaughey to return.
— Maggie LaMaack (@MaggieLaMaack) November 3, 2019
We miss that era.
Kate Hudson has proved her talent time and time again while capturing our hearts in the process. Now, I think it’s time to rewatch all of her rom-coms again. Excuse me while I stream Almost Famous and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
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