Kurt Russell discusses new series 'The Madison' and career reflections in interview

Kurt Russell says his role in 'The Madison' closely reflects his real-life experiences

Actor Kurt Russell has discussed his role in the television series The Madison and how the character reflects aspects of his own life and career.

Russell appears in the Paramount+ series created by writer and producer Taylor Sheridan. The show centres on a New York family dealing with loss and relocation, with Michelle Pfeiffer portraying Stacy Clyburn and Russell playing her husband Preston.

The character of Preston divides his time between New York and a rural property in Montana, where he hopes to spend more time with his wife. The story follows how the couple’s relationship and shared plans are affected by tragedy.

Russell said the character shares similarities with his own lifestyle and experiences. “The guy I play is a man of finance from New York,” he said.

“But he shares this place with his brother, and it's special to them. He wishes he could bring his wife to see and feel and experience it. That opportunity is something that goes by, and she regrets it.”

Russell noted that elements of the story reminded him of his own life decisions. He explained that he moved to Colorado at the age of 26 while continuing to work in Los Angeles.

“At a certain point, you find yourself asking whether you're going to live the life you want to live, or if you're just going to talk about it,” he said. “And I decided to make the move and live the life I wanted to live.”

The actor also reflected on his long career in film and television, which has included roles across multiple genres. These include horror films such as The Thing, Westerns including Tombstone and The Hateful Eight, and action films such as Escape from New York.

Before focusing fully on acting, Russell had originally planned a career in professional baseball. He said an injury ended those plans but led him to pursue acting more seriously.

“I got to play three years of pro ball and then I got hurt,” he said. “It was devastating, but I was able to fall back on acting, something I've been doing since I was 10.”

Russell also spoke about working with Taylor Sheridan, noting that the project felt particularly personal to him. “I've spent my life playing broad characters in all kinds of different genres, but this is in a very real world,” he said.

The Madison is currently available on Paramount+. The first episode of The Madison includes a dedication to actor and director Robert Redford. Russell said he met Redford once during the filming of The Horse Whisperer. 

“I brought him a bottle of my wine,” Russell recalled.