The actress also opened up about her music career and memories from “Almost Famous” during a conversation at The Grammy Museum.
Kate Hudson may have missed out on her father Bill Hudson’s wild party days in the 1970s, but Elton John made sure she was well-informed with some unexpected stories.
In a special performance and panel at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, Hudson, 45, shared insights into her growing passion for songwriting. While chatting with journalist David Wise, she also touched on her famous father’s antics, as recounted by John himself.
According to Hudson, John, 77, would often entertain her with tales of his escapades with her dad, Bill Hudson, 74. Her father, who was close with both John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, enjoyed a successful career with The Hudson Brothers. The group was signed to John’s label, Rocket Record Company, with Taupin producing some of their albums.
“Every time I’d run into Elton, especially after Almost Famous, he’d tell me these crazy stories about my dad,” Hudson revealed. “Apparently, he was wild—and naked a lot of the time! The stories I heard from Elton about my dad…”
Hudson has previously spoken about her difficult relationship with her biological father, who was largely absent following his divorce from her mother, Goldie Hawn, in 1982. After the split, Hawn began her longtime partnership with Kurt Russell, who helped raise Kate and her brother Oliver, alongside their other siblings, Boston and Wyatt.
In a May interview with PEOPLE, Hudson reflected on her relationship with Bill, stating, “There’s nothing new there but love. I love him… I just don’t overthink it. It’s a 40-year-old issue.”
During her talk at The Grammy Museum, Hudson shared how music has been a way for her to feel connected to her father, even during their estranged years.
“I wanted him in my life,” Hudson explained. “But, due to the complexities of life and relationships, it was really tough. Music was that bridge for me—the Hudsons, we’re just all about music. I wanted that connection with him when I was younger, but I never fully got it.”
Hudson also fondly reflected on her role in Cameron Crowe’s 2000 hit Almost Famous, which includes a memorable scene featuring John’s classic song “Tiny Dancer.”
“That film took my career to a place I had only dreamed of as a performer,” Hudson said. She went on to describe how she “begged” director Crowe for the chance to audition for the role of Penny Lane, a part that ultimately became one of her most iconic.
“I was originally cast as the sister, which was a smaller role,” she recalled. “But I was such a huge fan of Cameron Crowe that I just said, ‘Please let me audition for Penny Lane,’ and he wasn’t thrilled about it at first. Eventually, he said yes.”
Hudson concluded, “That entire experience was just incredible.”