At age 75, Kurt Russell ‘evolving’ but forever cool

Ask Kurt Russell about roles that didn’t come his way or the ups and downs of a long career, and he shares a slogan that has served him well over the decades.

“Whatever. Ifs, ands and Peter Pans,” he says, punctuated by that slow, movie star smile.

The iconic Hollywood cool guy also takes the years in stride — as in the milestone 75th birthday he celebrated in March — but he’s not so casual about the gifts that life has brought him, including a lovely family and a slew of major roles.

“Aging is just a natural part of life,” Russell says. “As an actor, my appearance and performances are evolving. Age is just part of it. It’s the knowledge that shows on your face.

“Plus, we’re more than just a number,” he adds. “We’re more than just a day on the calendar. It’s about feeling engaged. Fulfilled. Wisdom is a great source of power.”

His power these days is on the small screen. Russell has received raves for his portrayal of Michelle Pfeiffer’s Montana-loving late husband in “The Madison.” The first season is streaming now on Paramount+, and it has already been renewed for Seasons 2 and 3.

He also co-stars with son Wyatt in Apple TV’s “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.”

“As an actor, I’m hungrier than ever to find great parts,” Russell says. “I’m just hungry to delve into characters who are full of complexity.”

He lives in California and Colorado with his partner of 40-plus years, Goldie Hawn. They have four kids (his sons, Boston and Wyatt, and her daughter, Kate, and son, Oliver), many dogs and cats, and eight grandchildren.

Russell’s good life advice:

A new dream

He grew up with a dream of playing baseball. Russell was hitting .563 for the California Angels’ Double-A club when he tore his rotator cuff and that dream died. “I’ll never forget how the doctor told me my arm was shot,” he shares. “He said, ‘Aren’t you also an actor?’ And I said, ‘Yeah.’ And he said, ‘Well, you’re an actor full time now. You’re done with baseball.’ I sat and cried for three days. But I got over it.”

One question

“We had been offered things over the years, but this one was challenging in the best ways,” Russell says of teaming up with his son in “Monarchs.”

Before he says yes, Russell says he goes through a process: “I always like to ask myself: Can I do it? That becomes the interesting question of the day.”

Proud father

“The best part of it was the time spent with my son,” Russell says. “We had a really good time, plus we’re really proud of ‘Monarchs.’ It’s wonderful to share things with your grown children.

‘It hit me hard’

Russell joins the Taylor Sheridan universe as family patriarch Preston Clyburn in the Paramount+ drama “The Madison.” He plays a finance whiz whose heart is really in the Montana wilderness. But he remains in New York City because his wife, Stacy (Pfeiffer), loves city life. A fatal event changes her mind and her life. “It was such a deeply emotional piece that I had to stop reading the script at times and just let it process on an emotional level,” Russell says. “It hit me hard. The writing is so authentic. It really is Taylor Sheridan at his best.”

Peak of cool

Asked to name his coolest character, Russell doesn’t hesitate. “Snake,” he says of his role as Snake Plissken in 1981’s “Escape From New York” and 1996’s “Escape from L.A.” He’s talking about director John Carpenter’s iconic one-eyed antihero. “There will never be a guy cooler than Snake.”

Greatest gift

How did he mark his 75th birthday? “Birthdays come and go,” Russell says with a laugh. “This one was a big number, but I’m happy to be celebrating it. I’m happy to be here feeling healthy. Above all, the best thing is I’m fortunate to still be in good health.”

‘There was Goldie’

He met Hawn when she was 21 and he was 16. They co-starred in the 1968 comedy musical Western “The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.” They reunited on the set of 1984’s “Swing Shift” and have been together ever since. Was it love at first sight? “I was very badly hungover and I remember falling asleep in the office. Then I woke up and there was Goldie,” he recalls. “I was obviously impressed with her. Afterwards, I got to know someone who is a great person.”

Lucky in love

What’s the secret of a long and successful relationship? “You get with Goldie Hawn and you have a good chance of having a long relationship,” he says. “You remind yourself every single day that you’re lucky to be with Goldie Hawn. … Women adore her. Men love her. I love her. If you don’t love her something is wrong with you.

“We just really like each other.”