He started out as a child star and eventually made a name for himself in both action films and comedies—think Escape from New York, The Thing, and Vanilla Sky. Over the years, he continued to build an impressive resume with memorable roles in Forrest Gump, Tequila Sunrise, Gilligan’s Island, and even Furious 7. Then, in 2018, he took on a beloved holiday role, starring as Santa Claus in Netflix’s The Christmas Chronicles, which really brought him into a new spotlight. Before all the fame, though, it all began when he was just eleven years old, landing an uncredited part in Elvis Presley’s It Happened at the World’s Fair. That early start set the stage for a long and varied career. In his personal life, he had a son with actress Season Hubley during their short-lived marriage in the 1980s. Later on, he entered a relationship with Goldie Hawn, and over time, he grew close to her children, Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, becoming a kind of father figure to them. He and Goldie welcomed a son together, Wyatt, in 1986, adding another meaningful chapter to his life both on and off screen.
One of his most underrated performances—hands down—was in the film Breakdown, a gripping thriller that also starred Kathleen Quinlan. Honestly, people don’t talk about it enough when they’re listing his best work, but it really showcases his range. He brought such intensity and quiet determination to the role, making the whole experience feel so real. It’s one of those performances where you can see his talent shining through, even though the movie itself didn’t get all the attention it deserved. Definitely a standout moment in his career, and proof that he could carry a high-stakes story with incredible depth.