Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn recall latter’s ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ audition

Kate Hudson and Kathryn Hahn are looking back fondly on the day their friendship began, during Hahn’s audition for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. 

In a conversation published by Variety on June 12, the two actresses reminisced about their first meeting, which marked the start of a bond that has lasted over two decades.

Hudson recalled Hahn’s tryout for the beloved 2003 romantic comedy as a memorable and chaotic moment that left a lasting impression. 

“Do you remember your audition as well as I remember it? Because it was one of the great moments of all time,” Hudson asked. 

Hahn admitted she was extremely nervous, saying, “I was so sweaty.”

At the time, Hudson had already made waves with Almost Famous, and Hahn was a newcomer making her film debut. 

Her big audition was set with Hudson, director Donald Petrie (Miss Congeniality), and producer Lynda Obst (Sleepless in Seattle, Interstellar). 

Hahn described how the morning was already off to a rough start. “I couldn’t find a parking spot,” she said. “I was so sweaty. I couldn’t believe I was meeting you, I ran in, in a ruckus, and you were so welcoming.”

Hudson vividly remembered that exact moment. 

“We were looking for my besties, and you came in, like, all flustered,” she said. Despite the chaos, Hudson said she felt an instant connection. 

“You were like everything I think anyone would ever hope and wish for even as they know you now,” she shared. 

“You came in and you were just like, ‘Oh my God. I’m so sorry. I couldn’t find the parking.’ You had this bag — I don’t even know what was in it; it was like you were traveling — and I immediately was like, ‘I love this woman so much.’”

Though neither of them could recall exactly which scene Hahn auditioned with, they guessed it was either Michelle’s early tearful monologue or the hilarious couples’ therapy moment. But what Hudson remembered most vividly was when Hahn’s Nokia flip phone suddenly started ringing mid-audition. 

“She’s like, ‘Oh my God, hold on — I’ve got to go get the phone,’” Hudson laughed. “You get the phone and you’re like, ‘I’m in the middle of an audition.’”

At that point, Hudson looked over at Obst and knew Hahn was the perfect choice. “This is my best girlfriend in life,” Hudson said. Hahn replied simply, “Forever.”

The unexpected phone call came from Hahn’s friend Patrick, who, she joked, still hears about the interruption to this day. And while Hudson had a little fun teasing Hahn about showing up late, she believes it ended up working in her favor. 

“It was like, ‘If you don’t remember this hurricane that just entered the room…’”