In a candid revelation, actress Kate Hudson has declared a complete moratorium on email, branding the constant digital chatter as a destructive force in her daily life. The Hollywood star is currently navigating what she describes as her most intense professional period since her twenties.
A Digital Boundary for a Bursting Schedule
The 46-year-old Golden Globe nominee opened up to People magazine, explaining that her workload has skyrocketed. This surge is fuelled by the recent debut of her Netflix comedy series Running Point and the impending cinematic release of the musical biopic Song Sung Blue, which is scheduled to hit theatres on Christmas Day.
"I have to say for myself, personally, I think this is the busiest I've been since my twenties," Hudson stated. "It's been a really interesting time."
With her schedule packed, the mother-of-three has become fiercely protective of her mental space. She is now forthright with colleagues and contacts about her disdain for inbox culture. "My new thing is, I tell people, really honestly, that I hate email," she confessed. "I don't like it, I don't want to look at a thousand emails a day. It ruins my day."
Choosing Conversation Over Inbox Clutter
Hudson was unequivocal about the low likelihood of an email response from her. "If you're going to send me an email and think that I'm going to get it or read it, good luck!" she said, advocating for phone calls as a preferable, more personal mode of communication.
She argues that email fosters an unhealthy expectation of perpetual availability, especially for those managing multiple ventures and family life. "If you've got multiple businesses or multiple work things and kids on top of it... there's this sort of expectation that that's the communication," Hudson explained. "I don't like the fact that because you have email, that means that on the weekend you're supposed to answer them."
The sheer volume, she finds, is creatively stifling. "Then you go and you're like, 'Wait, I have 500 emails and it would take me two days to actually respond to all of these.' So, email's out for me. I can't - and my creative brain won't."
Reflecting on Roads Not Taken
Hudson's comments emerge as she also reflects on pivotal career crossroads. She recently admitted to experiencing mild regret over turning down the role of Mary Jane Watson in the original Spider-Man films, a part that went to Kirsten Dunst. While she acknowledged it "would've been fun," she conceded Dunst was "the right" choice.
Instead, she chose to star in the 2002 film The Four Feathers, a decision that led to a profound friendship with the late Heath Ledger. Hudson has also previously labelled passing on The Devil Wears Prada—a role that later catapulted Anne Hathaway to fame—as a "bad call" due to scheduling.
Despite these missed opportunities, Hudson believes her career path unfolded as intended. She remains open to future projects, including potential comic book roles, if the part is compelling. Currently, she is generating significant Oscar buzz for her performance in Song Sung Blue, which could see her earn a second Academy Award nomination following her breakout role in Almost Famous (2001).
