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What Goldie Hawn And Kurt Russell's Body Language Reveals About Their Nearly 40-Year Relationship

An expert breaks it all down.

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goldie hawn and kurt russell
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It took a while for Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell to get the timing right, but once they did, they were all in.

The legendary actress first met her lifetime leading man on set in 1968 while filming The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band. She was 20, and he was 15. "I think for me, I mean, he was way too young for me. I was, like, dating older guys," Goldie said on CBS Sunday Morning in 2020. By the time they reunited on the set of another film in 1983, they were both divorced, and neither was looking for romance. But as usually happens in life, when you don’t want to something to happen, it does anyway. The two fell for each other and haven’t separated since.

Nearly forty years later, with four children and seven grandchildren between them, Goldie and Kurt still reminisce about their romance by watching their films. "You know how sometimes you forget why you fell in love? I remembered everything, and why I fell in love," the First Wives Club star said on The Late Late Show With James Corden in 2017 about watching films they've starred in together. "It was really something to be able to watch that."

Now, you could do the same—watch the couple's numerous films and guess the subtle meanings of their gestures to decipher whether they still feel the same way today, but bringing in an expert might be easier. Luckily for you, Karen Donaldson stepped up to analyze Goldie and Kurt's body language throughout the years and explained how and why this couple is still going so strong.

1

Kurt couldn't and still can't get enough of Goldie.

opening of the american ballet theater gala party
Ron Galella//Getty Images

"Goldie and Kurt walk in unison which tells us that they are also in sync with one another on a emotional level," says Donaldson. She's also sure to point out that neither Goldie nor Kurt is walking ahead of the other. They're partners through and through—neither is more dominant in the relationship.

The next thing that caught Donaldson's eye: The handholding. "[It] tells us that they are affectionate towards each other," she says. Plus, it helps that Kurt can't keep his eyes off Goldie—a sign that he adores her.

2

Kurt is Goldie's support system when she needs one.

kurt russell and goldie hawn are on hand for the women's spo
New York Daily News Archive//Getty Images

A hug from behind is a sweet move at first glance, but it means so much more. Kurt is signaling that he has Goldie's back. He's her protector, something Donaldson knows because of the way his left arm covers Goldie's.

On Goldie's end, that head tilt and her leaning back into Kurt's arms means there's no place she'd rather be. When she needs someone to rely on, she's confident that Kurt will always be there.

3

Their love runs deep.

goldie hawn and kurt russell honored with double star ceremony on the hollywood walk of fame
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images

This body language is one giant sign pointing to endearing love, says Donaldson. "The way in which Kurt holds Goldie's hands in both of his as he kisses her, shows a truly deep connection on an emotional and physical level," she emphasizes.

This nonverbal cue, is a tender one that speaks to a high level of intimacy and the importance of physical touch in this couple's relationship.

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4

Goldie's proud to be with Kurt.

74th annual golden globe awards  arrivals
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Despite posing for oh, about a million photographers at the Golden Globes, Goldie and Kurt are still focused on each other. Donaldson can tell by the way the couple is turned toward each other. Even though their attention seems to be directed to the crowd in front of them, the angle of their feet and torsos indicate that they've got only each other on the brain.

Goldie's hand on Kurt's chest, is her way of telling any onlookers that she and Kurt are the real deal and she's proud of it. It's a possessive move, sure, but not an unhealthy one.

5

Neither Goldie nor Kurt would rather be with anyone else.

celebrity sightings in los angeles november 25, 2016
BG004/Bauer-Griffin//Getty Images

Need proof? They're always relaxed, for starters. Donaldson points out eased shoulders, unclenched fingers, and resting jaws. Goldie and Kurt are always at ease when they're together, and they wouldn't give that comfort up for anything.

"This signals a long-lasting relationship, void of competition and full of acceptance," says Donaldson. And once again, they're walking in step with each other. "A natural mirroring of your partners posture and body language is often seen in more established relationships that have a deep connection."

Headshot of Aryelle Siclait
Aryelle Siclait
Editor
Aryelle Siclait is the editor at Women's Health where she writes and edits articles about relationships, sexual health, pop culture, and fashion for verticals across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She's a Boston College graduate and lives in New York.
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