Kate Hudson's New Man: Dax Shepard
What's the best way for singles to meet? Through friends and family! And, Star has learned exclusively, that's exactly how Kate Hudson met her latest squeeze, funnyman Dax Shepard, 32, who's best known for playing a goofball on Ashton Kutcher's MTV show Punk'd. So who was the matchmaker? Actor Kurt Russell, Kate's mom Goldie Hawn's longtime love.
PARENTAL GUIDANCE
Kurt, who's a father figure to Kate, had been worried about her since she divorced Chris Robinson and pulled the plug on her relationship with Owen Wilson. "Kurt promised Kate it would get better, that happiness was around the corner. It looks like he was right," a source tells Star. "Kate is delighted! It's summer love at its best, and she's thrilled to be with someone who is making her heart beat faster," adds the source.
MATCH GAME
Kurt first met Shepard a few months ago and instantly thought he'd be a terrific match for Kate, the source tells Star. "Kurt took a liking to Dax because he's a good ol' boy from the Midwest who Kurt thinks is trustworthy and reliable," says the source. On top of that, Dax, like Kurt, is a sports fan and loves playing baseball.
Kurt introduced Dax to Kate at a barbecue dinner near Zuma Beach in late June, just one month after Kate dumped Owen. "Kate and Dax bonded immediately because Dax made her laugh," says the source. And now that Kate has cast Dax in a short film she's making for Glamour magazine's Reel Moments series, the relationship has heated up! "Kate liked his energy, and he brought a lot of enthusiasm and fresh ideas," says the source. "Let's just say Dax is the opposite of Owen. He's down to earth and sincere. He's a keeper."
For more on Kate Hudson, pick up this week's issue of Star!
