Wyatt Hawn Russell: From Ice Hockey to Hollywood Stardom
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Wyatt Hawn Russell is an American actor and former ice hockey player, known for his roles in the horror film Overlord, AMC's Lodge 49, and the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Born on July 10, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, to actors Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, Wyatt has successfully transitioned from a promising hockey career to a notable presence in Hollywood.
Wyatt Russell's Family and Background
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Wyatt Hawn Russell was born on July 10, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, to renowned actors Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. He is the grandson of actor Bing Russell and has three half-siblings: Oliver Hudson and Kate Hudson from his mother's previous marriage to Bill Hudson, and Boston Russell from his father's previous marriage to Season Hubley
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. Wyatt's heritage is a rich blend of German, English, Scottish, Irish, and Hungarian-Jewish descent1
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. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, Wyatt was exposed to the world of acting from an early age, often accompanying his parents on film sets4
. Despite this, he initially pursued a career in professional ice hockey before transitioning to acting following a career-ending injury1
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Russell's Early Ice Hockey Career
nytimes.com
Wyatt Russell's early ice hockey career was marked by significant promise and dedication. Born into a family of actors, Russell chose a different path initially, focusing on ice hockey from a young age. He played as a goaltender, a position that requires quick reflexes and mental toughness. Russell's talent on the ice led him to play for several junior and professional teams, including the Richmond Sockeyes, Langley Hornets, Coquitlam Express, Chicago Steel, Brampton Capitals, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville Chargers
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His skills were further recognized when he played in Europe, joining teams like the Groningen Grizzlies in the Netherlands and the EHC Timmendorfer Strand in Germany. Despite his promising career, Russell's journey in ice hockey was cut short due to a severe injury. At the age of 24, he suffered torn ligaments from his knee to his hip, which forced him to retire from the sport1
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. This injury marked a turning point in his life, leading him to pursue a career in acting, where he has since found considerable success.5 sources
Transition from Hockey to Acting
exclaim.ca
Wyatt Russell's transition from hockey to acting was precipitated by a severe injury that ended his athletic career at the age of 24. Despite his initial success in minor professional hockey in Europe, Russell's torn ligaments from his knee to his hip forced him to retire. Encouraged by his parents, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, he ventured into acting, landing his first role just five months after quitting hockey. Although initially shy and uncertain about fitting into the acting world, Russell found his stride, particularly resonating with the unique storytelling of AMC's Lodge 49. His character, Dud, a shiftless surfer, allowed him to explore a different perspective on life and storytelling, which he found invigorating and transformative.
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Wyatt Russell
people.com
people.com
tvinsider.com
Wyatt Russell Filmography
Wyatt Russell has built a diverse filmography, showcasing his versatility across various genres. Below is a table summarizing his notable film and television roles:
Russell's television roles include notable performances in series such as Lodge 49, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Under the Banner of Heaven
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Overboard | Baby at Golf Course | Uncredited |
| 1996 | Escape from L.A. | Orphan Boy | - |
| 1998 | Soldier | Todd (age 11) | - |
| 2010 | High School | Drug PSA Stoned Teenager | - |
| 2011 | Cowboys & Aliens | Little Mickey | - |
| 2012 | This Is 40 | Flirty Hockey Player | - |
| 2013 | We Are What We Are | Deputy Anders | - |
| 2013 | Love and Honor | Topher Lincoln | - |
| 2014 | 22 Jump Street | Zook Haythe | - |
| 2014 | Cold in July | Freddy Russell | - |
| 2014 | At the Devil's Door | Sam | - |
| 2015 | Prisoner | Will | Short film |
| 2016 | Everybody Wants Some!! | Charlie Willoughby | - |
| 2016 | Folk Hero & Funny Guy | Jason | - |
| 2017 | Ingrid Goes West | Ezra O'Keefe | - |
| 2017 | Table 19 | Teddy | - |
| 2017 | Goon: Last of the Enforcers | Anders Cain | - |
| 2017 | Shimmer Lake | Ed Burton | - |
| 2018 | Blaze | Glyn | - |
| 2018 | Overlord | Corporal Lewis Ford | - |
| 2021 | The Woman in the Window | David Winter | - |
| 2024 | Night Swim | Ray Waller | - |
| 2025 | Thunderbolts | John Walker / U.S. Agent | Filming |
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Wyatt Russell Awards and Honors
Wyatt Russell has received several nominations and awards throughout his acting career, reflecting his versatility and talent. Below is a summary of his notable accolades:
These nominations and awards highlight Russell's impactful performances in both film and television, showcasing his ability to engage audiences across various genres and formats
| Year | Award | Category | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie: Breakout Star | 22 Jump Street |
| 2016 | Maui Film Festival | Rising Star Award | - |
| 2021 | Online Film & Television Association | Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | The Falcon and the Winter Soldier |
| 2021 | Gold Derby Awards | Drama Supporting Actor | The Falcon and the Winter Soldier |
| 2021 | Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards | Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama | The Falcon and the Winter Soldier |
| 2022 | Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards | Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Under the Banner of Heaven |
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Wyatt Russell Interview
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Russell's Personal Life and Marriages
usmagazine.com
Wyatt Russell married Dutch stylist Sanne Hamers in 2012, but the couple divorced in 2017
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. He later found love with actress Meredith Hagner, whom he met while working on the film Folk Hero & Funny Guy in 20161
. They got engaged over Christmas in 2018 and tied the knot in September 2019 at his parents' home near Aspen, Colorado1
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. The couple has two children: their first son, Buddy Prine Russell, born in March 2021, and their second son, Boone Joseph Russell, born in February 20242
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. Besides his acting career, Wyatt is also a skilled musician and has ventured into the beverage industry with his brand of pre-mixed cocktails called Lake Hour2
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Collaborations with Kurt Russell
Kurt and Wyatt...
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Wyatt Russell has collaborated with his father, Kurt Russell, on multiple projects, most notably in the Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. In this series, they portray the same character, Lee Shaw, at different stages of his life, with Wyatt playing the younger version and Kurt the older. Despite initial hesitations about working together, Wyatt has expressed a desire to share more screen time with his father, appreciating the unique dynamic it brings to their performances
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. Their collaboration extends beyond Monarch, as Wyatt made his film debut as a baby in Overboard alongside his parents and later appeared in Escape from L.A.3
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Russell's Recent News and Projects
Wyatt Russell has been active in both his professional and personal life recently. Here are some key updates:
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Monarch: Legacy of Monsters: Wyatt stars alongside his father, Kurt Russell, in the Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, where they portray the same character, Lee Shaw, at different stages of his life24.
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Family Life: Wyatt and his wife, Meredith Hagner, welcomed their second son, Boone Joseph Russell, in February 202425.
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Upcoming Projects: He is set to reprise his role as John Walker / U.S. Agent in the 2025 Marvel film Thunderbolts, which is currently in production2.
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Recent Interviews: In a recent interview, Wyatt discussed gaining new insights into his father while working together on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters4.
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