Kate Hudson revealed at the Newport Beach TV Fest that she once considered legally emancipating herself from her parents, actors Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson, to land more acting roles as a minor. At the time, the now 46-year-old actress had been offered a small role that required her to work as an adult, prompting talk of “divorcing” her parents to bypass child labor restrictions.
However, her mother firmly rejected the idea, and shortly afterward, Kate secured a guest spot on the popular TV drama Party of Five, a turning point that marked the beginning of her acting career.
Kate Hudson’s First Role on Party of Five Marked a Turning Career Point
Kate’s role in Party of Five came at a significant time in her career. The show, which aired in 1994 and followed the story of five siblings dealing with the loss of their parents, featured Kate in a brief but impactful appearance. She played Cory, a coworker of Justin, portrayed by Michael Goorjian.
Kate recalled her excitement about joining the show, saying she was just 16 and a big fan, making the short two-day shoot especially memorable. She described Goorjian as kind and supportive during her first acting experience, which helped ease her nerves on set.

Despite the initial discussion around emancipation, Goldie Hawn remained a steadfast supporter of her daughter’s ambitions while maintaining firm boundaries. Kate shared how her mother allowed her to miss school for the short guest role on Party of Five, indicating a balance between supporting her daughter’s career and preserving her upbringing. Hawn’s refusal to allow emancipation seemed to reflect her desire to protect Kate while guiding her responsibly into the industry.
Balancing Fame, Family Ties and Independence in Kate Hudson’s Life and Career
Kate has always been candid about her complex relationship with her biological father, Bill Hudson, from whom she has been estranged for most of her life. Following her parents’ divorce in 1982, Hawn began a long-term relationship with Kurt Russell, who played a significant role in raising Kate.
Though she had the benefit of growing up with two Hollywood icons, Kate has consciously tried to build her career independently. She even turned down roles in Russell’s films to avoid being defined by her family connections, highlighting her desire to carve out her own identity in the industry.
Over the years, Kate and Goldie have nurtured a deeply close and affectionate relationship. Hawn recalled on Kelly Ripa’s podcast how she advised Kate to accept the inevitability of being linked to her famous parents and to embrace that connection. The two have remained open about their bond, both personally and professionally.
Kate recently mentioned that she lives just blocks away from her mother, who visits daily. Their mutual support continues to define their relationship, serving as both a familial and professional partnership that has withstood the tests of fame and time.