Hollywood icon Kurt Russell has made a surprising revelation about hosting members of the British royal family at his private residence for a secret holiday. The veteran actor, 74, shared this remarkable story during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, set to air this Saturday.
Royal Encounter at Film Premiere
Russell recounted how he first met King Charles and Princess Diana at the royal premiere of his film Backdraft in the early 1990s. "I was sitting in between her and Charles," the Golden Globe nominee explained. "I understand her difficulties with paparazzi and all that kind of thing."
During their conversation, Russell offered the princess a solution to her privacy concerns. "I said if you ever want to go somewhere that's pretty under controlled, we'll work it out - let me know."
Secret Royal Holiday Arrangement
What followed was an extraordinary arrangement that Russell believes was facilitated through his partner Goldie Hawn and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. "I think Fergie and Goldie had somehow later on got talking," Russell revealed.
The result was that Princess Diana took up his offer. "She brought the two boys and they stayed there for a week and had a wonderful time," Russell said, referring to Prince William and Prince Harry. "I wasn't there, none of us were there at the time."
Royal Gratitude and Lasting Memories
Despite not being present during their stay, Russell received heartfelt thanks from the princess. "She wrote some really nice cards and things like that," he shared.
The actor has maintained a connection with Prince Harry over the years. "I've seen Harry a number of times since then and he always remembers and he's very sweet - he always remembers it as one of the really fun times they had."
Russell expressed particular amazement about one detail of their visit. "I think it's a great thing - the Future King of England was sleeping in my son's room."
Promoting New Television Project
The actor appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show primarily to promote his latest project, The Madison. This new drama series comes from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and features an impressive ensemble cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Fox, and Patrick J. Adams.
Russell portrays Preston Clyburn, one of the main characters in the series. "The Madison show is very different," he explained. "It's the first time I'm playing someone very like myself - I like that a lot too."
Reflections on a Varied Career
The veteran actor reflected on his diverse career spanning decades. "I've had the great opportunity to play different broad characters and genres and that was on purpose because it kept me interested," Russell shared. "I really enjoy it and I continue to really enjoy it."
Family Connections and Career Milestones
Russell also discussed his step-daughter Kate Hudson's recent Oscar nomination for her performance in Song Sung Blue. "Goldie is going to be her date," he revealed. "I thought I was going to be in London at the time. I think I'm probably going to have a suit sitting by. I'm going to get home in time to be there."
Early Career and Elvis Connection
The conversation turned to Russell's early career, including his first feature film role in 1963's It Happened at the World's Fair, where he had an uncredited cameo alongside Elvis Presley.
Sixteen years later, Russell portrayed Elvis in a television movie. "I had a lot of people giving me stuff for research purposes which was amazing looking back on it," he recalled. "But it was primarily my memory of having worked with him. He was 27 years old when I worked with him and I was 27 when I did that."
No Retirement Plans
When asked about potential retirement from showbusiness, Russell was clear about his intentions. "You do run into these time periods where you think sometimes," he admitted, "but there is something about acting, it never gets old."
The full interview with Kurt Russell, along with other guests including David Byrne, Dame Maggie Aderin, Tim Roth, Sara Pascoe, and Noah Kahan, airs on The Jonathan Ross Show this Saturday at 9:25pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
