Oliver Hudson entered Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test with something to prove, and much of that pressure came from comparing himself with the successful family surrounding him.
During the Season 5 premiere, the 50-year-old actor spoke about growing up as the son of Oscar winner Goldie Hawn and alongside siblings who built prominent careers of their own.
“Coming from a successful family, I wrestle with comparison. I wrestle with insecurity,” Hudson said, according to People.
His sister Kate Hudson is an Oscar-nominated actress, brother Wyatt Russell has established his own acting career, and Kurt Russell helped raise Oliver and Kate alongside Hawn. Hudson said part of him still feels pressure to accomplish something greater so his family can be truly proud of him.
Hudson Calls Goldie Hawn an ‘Icon’ While Discussing His Own Insecurity
Hudson described Hawn as an “icon” while explaining how easily he measures his own accomplishments against those of his relatives.
He has joked about the same dynamic before. During The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday, a successful bake prompted him to celebrate finally having a victory of his own in a family where Kate had Almost Famous, Hawn had an Academy Award and other relatives had major accomplishments to point to.
On Special Forces, Hudson discussed the comparison more seriously, saying insecurity remains something he continues to wrestle with even after decades in the entertainment industry.
He Previously Clarified Comments About His Childhood With Hawn
Hudson has also been candid about examining more complicated parts of his childhood. During a March 2024 episode of his Sibling Revelry podcast, he discussed attending the Hoffman Institute and exploring emotional patterns connected to his parents and stepparents.
Hudson said he was surprised that much of the work centered on Hawn, whom he also described as an amazing mother. Looking at certain experiences from his childhood perspective, he recalled sometimes feeling unprotected when she was away working while he was also dealing with the absence of his biological father, Bill Hudson.
After those comments generated headlines about childhood “trauma,” Hudson said his remarks had been taken further than he intended. He explained that he had been describing how certain moments felt to him as a child rather than making a broader criticism of Hawn’s parenting.
Hudson also emphasized his love and respect for his mother, saying he could not imagine who he would be without her.
‘Special Forces’ Puts Hudson Through a Different Kind of Test
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Hudson is one of 15 celebrity recruits competing in Season 5 of the Fox reality series. The network announced that the cast would train in Malaysia, where the challenges are built around elements of real Special Forces selection in a jungle environment.
The season’s exercises include searching an underground bunker under pressure, retrieving supplies while suspended hundreds of feet above the jungle floor and completing a task under simulated chemical warfare conditions.
Hudson is competing alongside Candace Cameron Bure, Ruby Rose, Brandi Glanville, Matt Barnes, LeSean McCoy, Collin Gosselin, Bre Tiesi and other recruits.
Season 5 airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Fox, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.