Life has a funny way of giving us second chances, and sometimes, those chances come when we least expect them. During a recent appearance on Larry King Now, actor Oliver Hudson shared how he's working to mend fences with his estranged father, Bill Hudson. It's a story of redemption, understanding, and family ties that refuse to break completely. "We’re trying right now," the 41-year-old revealed, adding, "We’ve been shooting some texts back and forth. It feels like we’re making progress."
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Oliver and Bill. Their relationship hit rock bottom in 2015 when Oliver posted a Father’s Day message on Instagram that many interpreted as bitter sarcasm. The caption read, “Happy Abandonment Day… @katehudson,” alongside a throwback photo of himself, his sister Kate Hudson, and their dad. That post sent shockwaves through the family and sparked a media frenzy.
View this post on InstagramHappy abandonment day… @katehudson
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At first glance, the post seemed harsh, but Oliver explained that it was meant to be darkly comedic. Surprisingly, it ended up being a turning point in their relationship. "There was an incident that happened via my Instagram," he admitted. "I posted something that was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, but it sparked a conversation that ultimately helped us reconnect. Now, we're actually keeping in touch."
From Heartbreak to Healing: Bill’s Reaction
Bill Hudson didn’t take the post lightly at first. In fact, his reaction was visceral and raw. "That was like a dagger to the heart," Bill said in a past interview. "If what he wanted was me out of their lives, then he’s succeeded. I don’t want to see either of my eldest children ever again. It’s over." He went on to say, "I say to them now, 'I set you free. Oliver’s Instagram post was a malicious, vicious, premeditated attack. He is dead to me now. As is Kate. I am mourning their loss even though they are still walking this earth.'"
Rebuilding Bridges: Oliver’s Efforts
Realizing the depth of his dad’s pain, Oliver decided to take the first step toward healing. "He did an interview and let off some steam," Oliver recounted. "He was clearly hurt by my post. I called him immediately, and we had a really productive conversation. It was the first time I had spoken to him in years. We eventually met for breakfast, and it was incredible to see him after such a long time. We talked for three hours, and it was cathartic. It felt like we were finally addressing everything that had been left unsaid."
Kate’s Perspective: A Different Viewpoint
While Oliver seems eager to reconcile, his sister Kate Hudson appears to have a more complicated relationship with their father. In a previous interview, the star of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days opened up about how her strained relationship with Bill has impacted her personal life. "I think that’s the classic psychological issue for anyone in a similar situation," Kate confessed. "When a parent is absent, it creates a ripple effect that manifests in different ways. For me, it definitely affected my approach to relationships."
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Blame Game: Who’s at Fault?
When it comes to assigning blame for the estrangement, Bill places the responsibility squarely on his ex-wife, Goldie Hawn, and her longtime partner, Kurt Russell. "When we first split up, she never had a bad word to say about me," Bill recalled. "But everything changed when Kurt entered the picture. Suddenly, I became the villain in their narrative. I would ask her, 'Goldie, why are you trashing me and calling me an absent father when it’s simply not true?' And she’d laugh and say, 'Oh Bill, it makes for a better story.'"
While the truth may never be fully clear, one thing is certain: Oliver’s willingness to reach out has paved the way for a potential family reunion. It’s a reminder that no matter how deep the wounds, there’s always room for forgiveness and healing.
