Kate Hudson is making waves not just on screen but also through her music, promoting her latest Netflix comedy series, Running Point, and her debut album, Glorious.
At a recent screening at the Paley Museum in New York City, the 45-year-old actress engaged with fans and press alike, candidly sharing insights about her new series. Hudson, who plays Isla Gordon, the unexpected president of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team, asserts the importance of being authentic, especially when it involves something as nuanced as flirting. She advised, "You’ve got to be honest [with yourself]." For Hudson, being genuine when flirting is key, as she noted, and instead of forcing oneself, it might be wiser to sit back and observe, allowing connections to happen naturally.
Reflecting on her personal life, she opened up about her relationship with her fiancé, Danny Fujikawa, admitting, "Thank God Danny is my partner." They share daughter Rani, and Hudson describes Fujikawa's ability to manage her flirtatious nature, asserting, "I flirt with everybody — girls, boys." Having just launched her new series, she expresses excitement over the role, explaining how it felt to step onto the set for the first time. Overwhelmed yet thrilled, Hudson confessed, "I was just like, 'If this is what we’re doing, I’m so in!'"
Co-created by Mindy Kaling and featuring prominent stars such as Brenda Song and Justin Theroux, Running Point aims for humor as it navigates serious themes like sexism within the world of professional sports. This resonates deeply with Hudson, who, drawing from her own upbringing with three brothers, relates to her character’s struggle for validation. "It’s very challenging... you have to yell to be heard by your brothers," she shared. This comic portrayal of women stepping up in traditionally male-dominated fields is not just entertaining—it also sheds light on the need for equitable representation in sports.
Brenda Song, who plays Hudson’s loyal confidant Ali Lee, echoed these sentiments during promotional interviews. She admitted feeling nervous acting alongside Hudson until she realized the environment was supportive and conducive to creativity. "Every time we got onto set, it felt harmonious," Song remarked, praising Hudson's comedic timing and star presence. Hudson added, "When you’re working with seasoned actors... it’s just everybody brings their version of professionalism, and the magic happens when you end up loving what you do together."
Hudson’s role, inspired by the real-life Jeanie Buss of the Lakers, brings her challenges to the forefront, illustrating the hurdles faced by women within the sports industry. "It’s exciting to see more women taking leadership positions in men’s sports," she stated, reflecting on her character's experiences. Despite not being from the sports world, she appreciates the opportunity to highlight these dynamics through comedy.
Alongside her television work, Hudson's music career continues to flourish with the release of her debut album Glorious. Featuring heartfelt tracks such as "Right on Time," which pays tribute to her mother, actress Goldie Hawn, Hudson describes her emotional connection to the song, saying, "It’s my mommy, you know?" The album, which has earned praise for its mature sound, embodies Hudson’s growth as both a singer and songwriter, showcasing her vocal prowess.
The artist's endeavors are clearly influenced by her upbringing, especially her relationship with Hawn and her stepfather, Kurt Russell. "What I learned from them was to focus on storytelling at the center of everything I do," Hudson said, emphasizing the importance of narrative over fame.
Despite her success, Hudson remains grounded. Describing the pressures of being part of Hollywood’s celebrate families, she commented on the term ‘nepo baby,’ stating, "Statistically, most people go to where their family business is... It's subjective, art is subjective, but business... that's where it gets tricky."
Wrapping up her promotional tour, Hudson's reflections echoed themes of empowerment, kinship, and resilience. "Confidence is something you want to instill in your children... you watch them grow, and you want them to love who they are," she said, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and internal validation.
At the end of the day, Hudson isn't just breaking barriers on screen; she's paving the way for her children by advocating empowerment and instilling the values she learned from her mother. Her dual role as both actress and musician continues to evolve, bringing fresh stories and empowering narratives to the forefront of popular culture.
Viewers can catch all ten episodes of Running Point streaming now on Netflix, alongside her music which echoes her familial love and artistry.