During a recent episode of the talk show Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, Kurt and Wyatt Russell sat down with Conan O’Brien to discuss their shared passion for history. The conversation began with a discussion about Kurt’s involvement in Quentin Tarantino’s film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Tarantino had mentioned in an interview that Kurt’s knowledge of 1960s Los Angeles greatly influenced the movie. As it turns out, Kurt had personal experience with that era, having started out in the entertainment industry with Disney films and television work.
Kurt’s brother, Wyatt, then chimed in with a surprising revelation about his own acting career. He recalled playing a character named Guano in the TV show Lost in Space. Wyatt’s character was bald, and this was one of the defining moments in his early career where he discovered his passion for acting. He convinced the producers to let him shave his head for the role, which solidified his commitment to the craft.
The conversation took a nostalgic turn as Conan asked the Russell brothers about their father’s involvement in the film and television industry. It turns out their dad had worked extensively in the field, often taking on various roles to support his family. Kurt described their family as “plumber actors,” always ready to take any work that came their way.
The discussion then shifted back to Quentin Tarantino and his love for the history of Hollywood. Kurt praised Tarantino’s deep knowledge of the industry and how he incorporates it into his films. Tarantino’s dedication in his book about Once Upon a Time in Hollywood meant a lot to Kurt, and it further solidified their bond.
Conan shared his own fascination with the past, particularly through vintage videos of Los Angeles. He mentioned a video from 1966 that shows a drive along Sunset Strip, capturing the essence of a bygone era. For Conan, watching these videos brings about a sense of nostalgia and highlights how much the city has changed over the years.
Wyatt then revealed his own interest in history, recalling a time when he delved into his family’s ancestry through Ancestry.com. He became obsessed with tracing his family’s history through war records and discovered that his family had a long line of ancestors who fought in wars, even going back to the Revolutionary War. Wyatt shared a remarkable story about one ancestor named Jason Russell Jr., who sheltered in his house during the war but tragically fell victim to British soldiers.
To Sherlock Holmes’ surprise, it turns out that Jason Russell Jr. was a direct ancestor of the Russell brothers. This revelation amused Conan, who jokingly wondered if Jason had given away his position to the Redcoats. This fascinating story demonstrates the deep connection that the Russell family has with significant historical events.
During the episode, Conan also mentioned Lisa Kudrow’s ancestry show, where she explores the genealogy of prominent individuals. Kurt had participated in the show and learned about his lineage, leading to an interesting conversation with Conan.
This lively conversation between Kurt and Wyatt Russell and Conan O’Brien showcased their shared love for history. Whether it was Kurt’s influence on Tarantino’s movie or Wyatt’s passion for exploring his family’s lineage, the Russell brothers’ enthusiasm for the past was evident. With Conan’s own fascination with vintage videos and historical anecdotes, this episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend served as a delightful exploration of history and its influence on these celebrities’ lives.
