Wilder Brooks Hudson: Inside Oliver Hudson’s Rising Star Son and His First Big Movie Moment

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Wilder Brooks Hudson is becoming a name people want to know, especially after his heartfelt acting debut in the 2025 Netflix holiday film A Merry Little Ex-Mas. As the son of actor Oliver Hudson, grandson of Goldie Hawn, and part of the legendary Hudson–Hawn–Russell acting family, Wilder grew up around Hollywood—but surprisingly never stepped in front of the camera until now. His breakout moment has put him on the map, not only because of his family roots but because of the genuine talent he brought to his first role. His performance didn’t just impress audiences—it moved his own father to tears on set, marking a powerful turning point in Wilder’s journey toward becoming an actor. This article explores his early life, his family’s influence, the emotional experience of filming his first movie, and why Wilder Brooks Hudson is poised to become one of Hollywood’s most intriguing new faces.

Table of Contents

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Wilder Brooks Hudson
Age: 18
Birth Year: 2007
Parents: Oliver Hudson and Erinn Bartlett
Siblings: Bodhi Hudson and Rio Hudson
Grandmother: Goldie Hawn
Grandfather (Step): Kurt Russell
Aunt: Kate Hudson
Uncle: Wyatt Russell
Known For: Acting debut in A Merry Little Ex-Mas
Role: Gabriel
Acting Debut Year: 2025
Platform: Netflix
Filming Location: Toronto, Canada
Notable Scene: Emotional monologue near the end of the film
Oliver’s Reaction: Broke into tears watching Wilder perform
Career Aspirations: Wants to continue acting
Signature Quote: “Dad, this is it.”
Family Legacy: Multi-generational Hollywood acting family
Current Reputation: Rising teen actor gaining early attention

Who Is Wilder Brooks Hudson

Wilder Brooks Hudson is the eldest child of actor Oliver Hudson and actress-turned-lifestyle coach Erinn Bartlett. Born in 2007, he grew up surrounded by Hollywood royalty but spent much of his childhood living a relatively private life. Friends and family often describe him as thoughtful, creative, and naturally observant—qualities that would later show up on screen during his first acting role. Even though he had access to the entertainment world from a young age, he didn’t step into acting early like many children of celebrities. Instead, he waited until high school before exploring the craft seriously, taking an acting class that ultimately opened the door to his debut in A Merry Little Ex-Mas.

Growing Up In The Hudson–Hawn–Russell Acting Dynasty

Wilder’s family is one of the most recognizable acting dynasties in Hollywood. His grandmother Goldie Hawn remains a beloved star whose work spans decades, while his grandfather figure Kurt Russell is considered one of the industry’s most enduring leading men. Add his aunt Kate Hudson and uncle Wyatt Russell, and the family tree looks like a full cast list. Growing up in such a well-known household meant Wilder was always aware of entertainment as a career path, but he was never pushed into it. The Hudson family is famously close, and Wilder grew up watching not only their onscreen success but also how they support each other off screen. This environment helped shape Wilder’s understanding of storytelling, performance, and commitment long before he stepped onto a movie set.

Inside The Father–Son Dynamic Between Wilder And Oliver Hudson

Oliver Hudson has always been open about his close relationship with his children, but the experience of working with Wilder was something entirely new. Before filming began, Oliver imagined an idealized bonding scenario—late-night conversations, reading lines together, and quiet moments connecting as father and son. But like many teenagers, Wilder had his own rhythm, and Oliver quickly realized that real bonding doesn’t always look picture-perfect. Their dynamic on set became a mix of professional collaboration and genuine emotional growth, with Oliver watching his son take on a role with surprising confidence. In interviews, Oliver shared that acting alongside Wilder made him see his son through a new lens, appreciating him not just as a child but as a young adult beginning to define himself.

How Wilder Landed His First Movie Role

Despite being surrounded by actors his entire life, Wilder’s road to his debut wasn’t planned. He had recently completed an acting class outside of school when the opportunity came up. With no prior professional experience, he auditioned for the role of Gabriel in A Merry Little Ex-Mas, a character who required emotional maturity and sincerity. Wilder’s natural authenticity won over the filmmakers, and he secured the part. This unexpected leap into acting revealed a side of Wilder many didn’t know existed: a willingness to challenge himself and step into unfamiliar territory. It was a bold move for someone who had not grown up performing professionally but clearly had the instincts for it.

Wilder’s Breakout Moment In A Merry Little Ex-Mas

Wilder’s breakout moment comes late in the film, during a key emotional monologue delivered by his character Gabriel. The scene required him to express complicated, layered feelings about family tension and personal change—something that could challenge even seasoned actors. Yet Wilder approached it with a calm focus that impressed everyone on set. His performance wasn’t just technically strong; it carried an emotional sincerity that felt grounded and real. The authenticity of that moment became one of the standout scenes of the movie and the moment that proved he had genuine acting potential beyond his family name.

What Oliver Hudson Said About Wilder’s Performance

Oliver Hudson described watching Wilder deliver his monologue as a transformative moment. While seated on set during the first take, he found himself unexpectedly overcome with emotion. He shared that he stepped outside of himself, realizing he was watching not just an actor but his son demonstrating incredible courage and talent. Oliver said that he “swelled with pride” in a way he had never felt before, calling it a milestone moment he would never forget. His emotional reaction helped the story go viral, adding another layer of attention to Wilder’s debut.

Life On Set Together During The Toronto Shoot

Filming took place in Toronto over six weeks, giving father and son a rare stretch of uninterrupted time together. Oliver, hoping to make the experience special, upgraded their rental home to something more comfortable and memorable. He envisioned bonding moments filled with movie nights, shared meals, and heartfelt talks. But in a humorous twist, Wilder arrived, went upstairs, and simply shut the door—like any teenager might. Still, living together throughout the shoot created opportunities for deeper connection, even if they didn’t always look picture-perfect. Oliver later said that despite the funny bumps along the way, the time they spent together ended up being “incredible,” and it strengthened their relationship in new ways.

What The Movie A Merry Little Ex-Mas Is About

A Merry Little Ex-Mas is a holiday romantic comedy centered on Everett and Kate, a couple navigating the shift from raising their children to facing an empty nest. After moving to the charming town of Winterlight to build a family, their marriage starts to strain once the children grow older. The storyline explores themes of love, change, new relationships, mixed emotions, and rediscovery. Wilder plays Gabriel, one of Everett and Kate’s children, whose emotional scene mirrors the film’s broader exploration of family, growth, and second chances. The film stars Alicia Silverstone, Emily Hall, Jameela Jamil, and Pierson Fodé alongside the Hudson father–son duo and is part of Netflix’s growing lineup of feel-good holiday features.

The Moment Wilder Realized He Wants To Be An Actor

At the end of filming, Wilder approached Oliver with a simple but powerful declaration: “Dad, this is it.” It was the moment Wilder confirmed that acting wasn’t just something he tried for fun—it was something he wanted to pursue long-term. Oliver shared how happy and excited he felt knowing that his son had found something he truly loved. That clarity is rare at eighteen, and the combination of discovering passion while working alongside a parent made it even more meaningful.

What Wilder’s Future In Acting Might Look Like

Given the positive attention from his debut and his family’s history in the industry, Wilder seems poised for a bright future. He has the advantage of growing up around storytelling, film sets, and performers who understand the realities of the business. But more importantly, he has demonstrated natural talent and genuine enthusiasm. As he continues exploring acting, viewers may see him take on more emotionally rich roles or even expand into different genres. His family’s grounded approach suggests he’ll be encouraged to grow at his own pace and make thoughtful choices about his career.

Inside The Hudson Kids’ Shared Love For Performing

Wilder’s younger siblings, Bodhi and Rio, also share an interest in acting, along with their cousins from Kate Hudson’s side of the family. Oliver mentioned that “everyone wants to be an actor” in the extended family, describing it as part of their DNA. This shared creative passion creates an environment where performing feels natural and fun. For Wilder, being surrounded by supportive relatives who understand the craft may give him a unique advantage as he navigates the world of professional acting.

Why Wilder Brooks Hudson’s Debut Matters

Wilder’s debut isn’t just news because he’s part of a Hollywood legacy—it’s meaningful because of the authenticity he brought to the role. His natural emotional depth, willingness to step into the unfamiliar, and the impact he left on his father highlight a promising start. With A Merry Little Ex-Mas, he proved that he wasn’t simply following a path laid out for him—he was beginning one of his own.

Final Thoughts

Wilder Brooks Hudson’s story is a blend of family legacy, personal discovery, and an unexpectedly emotional acting debut. His first role in A Merry Little Ex-Mas showed viewers that he possesses the depth and sincerity needed to succeed in the industry. For Oliver Hudson, watching his son shine was a moment of overwhelming pride, but for Wilder, it was just the beginning. As he embraces acting and continues exploring his talent, Wilder stands out as a young performer with both heart and potential. His journey is just starting, and audiences will likely be seeing much more of him in the years ahead.

FAQs About Wilder Brooks Hudson

Who Is Wilder Brooks Hudson?
He is the 18-year-old son of actor Oliver Hudson and Erinn Bartlett, and part of the Hudson–Hawn–Russell family. He made his acting debut in A Merry Little Ex-Mas.

What Movie Did Wilder Brooks Hudson Star In?
He appears in the 2025 Netflix holiday film A Merry Little Ex-Mas, playing the role of Gabriel.

How Did Wilder Get His First Acting Role?
He landed the role after taking an acting class and auditioning, even though he had no prior professional acting experience.

Why Did Oliver Hudson Cry On Set?
Oliver became emotional after watching Wilder deliver a powerful monologue in the film. He said he “couldn’t believe this was my son” and was overwhelmed with pride.

Does Wilder Want To Continue Acting?
Yes. After filming ended, he told his dad, “Dad, this is it,” confirming his desire to build a career in acting.

Where Was The Movie Filmed?
Filming took place in Toronto, where Oliver and Wilder lived together during the production.

Is Wilder Part Of A Famous Hollywood Family?
Yes. His family includes Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Kate Hudson, and Wyatt Russell.

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