Famous actress Goldie Hawn was the daughter of famous American pianist Edward Rutledge Hawn, born September 28, 1908. Rut Hawn’s life was distinguished by professional success and personal sorrow. He was most known for leading the Arthur Godfrey radio and TV orchestra. This page discusses Edward Rutledge Hawn’s career, family, and estimated net worth upon his death.
1. Early Life and Family Background
Into a musical and historical family in Little Rock, Arkansas, came Edward Rutledge Hawn. His ancestor was South Carolina Declaration of Independence signer Edward Rutledge. Hawn was drawn to music as a child due to her musical upbringing. His successful entertainment career began with this enthusiasm.
2. Career Beginnings
Hawn began his music career at the famed Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He played saxophone, violin, and clarinet professionally after college. He was sought after in the entertainment world for his instrument flexibility.
3. Becoming a Bandleader
Edward Rutledge Hawn’s greatest professional triumph was conducting the Arthur Godfrey radio and TV orchestra. Hawn’s stint as bandleader on Arthur Godfrey’s mid-20th-century radio and television show cemented his place in American entertainment. Godfrey’s programming relied on the orchestra, and Hawn’s direction gave it respect and appeal.
4. Personal Life and Family
Rut Hawn married Laura Hawn in 1936, and together they had three children. Their daughter, Goldie Hawn, would go on to become a major Hollywood star. Edward also had a son, Edward Rutledge Hawn Jr., who tragically passed away at the age of one due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Despite this heartbreaking loss, Rut and Laura remained devoted to their surviving children, with Goldie becoming a beacon of success and fame.
5. A Legacy in Music
Rut Hawn’s contributions to the entertainment industry were not just limited to his time as a bandleader. He was a prolific musician who performed at numerous high-profile events throughout Washington, D.C., and beyond. His reputation as a talented musician and a skilled conductor made him a well-respected figure in the music industry during his lifetime.
6. Relationship with Goldie Hawn
Edward Rutledge Hawn’s relationship with his daughter Goldie was close and loving. Goldie has often spoken about her father’s influence on her life and career, recalling how his passion for music and performance inspired her own artistic pursuits. In recent years, Goldie has shared emotional memories about the last conversations she had with her father before his passing.
7. Death and Tributes
Edward Rutledge Hawn passed away on June 7, 1982, at the age of 73 in Los Angeles, California. His death was met with tributes from the entertainment world, acknowledging his impact as a musician and a mentor. Goldie Hawn has continued to honor her father’s memory throughout her life, often mentioning him in interviews and sharing how his teachings shaped her own approach to life and work.
8. Edward Rutledge Hawn’s Net Worth
At the time of his death, Edward Rutledge Hawn’s estimated net worth was around $1 million. This amount was accumulated through his long career in music, including his work with the Arthur Godfrey orchestra, as well as his various musical performances and public appearances. While Hawn was not as financially wealthy as some of the more prominent entertainers of his era, his net worth reflects a modest, yet successful career in the entertainment industry.
9. Influence on Goldie Hawn’s Career
Edward Rutledge Hawn’s influence extended to his daughter Goldie Hawn, who has credited her father with helping to cultivate her artistic talents. Growing up in a musical household, Goldie developed a love for performance that eventually led her to Hollywood, where she became one of the most beloved actresses of her generation. Edward’s guidance and support were critical in Goldie’s development as an actress.
10. The Legacy of the Hawn Family
The Hawn family’s legacy extends far beyond Edward Rutledge Hawn’s own accomplishments. Goldie Hawn’s success as an actress, along with her children Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson, and Wyatt Russell—each of whom has made a name for themselves in their respective fields—demonstrates the lasting impact of the Hawn family. The arts have clearly been a defining feature of the Hawn family lineage, with Edward Rutledge Hawn being the cornerstone of that legacy.
11. Rut Hawn’s Cultural Impact
Though largely remembered for his role in the entertainment industry, Rut Hawn also left a broader cultural impact through his work on radio and television. His leadership of the Arthur Godfrey orchestra influenced many other musicians and entertainers who would follow in his footsteps. His dedication to his craft helped pave the way for future generations of musicians who sought to bring classical and contemporary music to a wider audience.
FAQ
Who was Edward Rutledge Hawn?
Edward Rutledge Hawn was an American musician best known for his role as the conductor of the Arthur Godfrey radio and TV orchestra. He was also the father of actress Goldie Hawn.
What instruments did Edward Rutledge Hawn play?
Hawn was a versatile musician, playing the saxophone, violin, and clarinet throughout his career. His skill in multiple instruments made him an influential figure in the music world.
What was Edward Rutledge Hawn’s net worth?
At the time of his death, Edward Rutledge Hawn’s estimated net worth was around $1 million, largely accrued through his career in music and his time as a bandleader on the Arthur Godfrey show.
How did Edward Rutledge Hawn influence Goldie Hawn?
Edward Rutledge Hawn had a significant influence on Goldie, particularly in shaping her artistic talents. His musical background and passion for performance inspired Goldie to pursue a career in entertainment.
When did Edward Rutledge Hawn pass away?
Edward Rutledge Hawn passed away on June 7, 1982, at the age of 73 in Los Angeles, California.
