Sanne Hamers stepped into the Hollywood spotlight following her marriage to actor Wyatt Russell in 2012, but her story extends far beyond her role as the ex-wife of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn’s son. The Dutch-born stylist built a career working with Hollywood’s elite, including serving as Goldie Hawn’s personal stylist. With an estimated net worth of around $1-2 million, she has carved her own path in the fashion and design industry. This article explores her early life in the Netherlands, her marriage and divorce from Wyatt Russell, and her current life as a mother and entrepreneur.

Who Is Sanne Hamers? Early Life and Background

Growing Up in the Netherlands

Born in June 1987 in Dronten, Netherlands, Sanne Hamers spent her formative years in Amsterdam. The Dutch environment shaped her worldview in ways that would later define her professional approach. The Netherlands fostered a grounded lifestyle, artistic sensibilities, and an appreciation for simplicity. These cultural foundations proved essential as she navigated both her personal and professional life.

Her childhood emphasized independence and practicality. The Dutch culture she absorbed valued balance over excess, creativity over spectacle. Even as a young girl, Hamers showed a strong interest in esthetics and design. Clothing, textures, the arrangement of spaces—she possessed a keen eye for detail that hinted at her future career path. Her upbringing centered around developing a strong sense of self rather than chasing fame or attention.

Education and Early Interests

Hamers attended TMO Fashion Business School, where she studied fashion management and design. This educational foundation gave her both creative vision and business acumen. She learned how style intersects with industry mechanics, understanding that success required more than artistic talent alone. The program equipped her with knowledge to build a sustainable career.

Her natural inclination toward beauty and functionality became refined through formal training. She developed skills in color coordination and wardrobe planning while gaining a profound understanding of European fashion trends. The education wasn’t merely academic. In fact, it prepared her for the competitive creative professional sectors she would soon enter.

Moving to Los Angeles at 21

At 21, Hamers made a decision that would alter her trajectory entirely. She left the Netherlands and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood. The move represented more than a change of location. It marked a leap into a completely different lifestyle and professional landscape.

Los Angeles offered opportunities but delivered intense competition in return. The city demanded persistence, adaptability, and confidence from newcomers. For someone raised in the measured Dutch environment, the shift required significant adjustment. The transition challenged her in ways her Amsterdam upbringing hadn’t prepared her for.

First Steps in the Fashion Industry

Hamers began her American journey with internships. She worked with celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, gaining exposure to high-profile fashion styling and the demands of working with celebrities. This early experience provided insight into an industry where reputation and relationships mattered as much as talent.

The path wasn’t smooth. Moving to a new country, building professional connections, and proving her skills required determination. She faced the double challenge of establishing herself in a foreign market while adapting to cultural differences. These early struggles strengthened her resolve. By the same token, they laid the foundation for a career that would eventually expand beyond fashion into interior design and creative consulting. The years of learning and persistence positioned her for the opportunities that would come through her connection to the Russell-Hawn family.

Meeting Wyatt Russell and Entering Hollywood

The Salsa Bar Meeting in 2010

A chance encounter at a salsa bar in the Netherlands in 2010 changed the trajectory of both Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell’s lives. The meeting happened during an ordinary night out, far removed from Hollywood glamor or celebrity culture. Hamers was still a student, while Wyatt was living in Europe playing professional ice hockey. Their connection sparked through dancing, humor, and genuine curiosity about each other’s backgrounds.

The relationship developed naturally. They started as friends before romance blossomed. Distance and cultural differences presented challenges, but their bond strengthened through these obstacles. Hamers eventually decided to move to the United States with Wyatt, beginning an entirely new chapter.

From Ice Hockey Player to Actor’s Wife

Wyatt Russell was pursuing professional ice hockey when he met Hamers, playing for teams in Germany and the Netherlands, including the Groningen Grizzlies. He was the son of Hollywood celebrities Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, but at the time, he remained far from the typical Hollywood lifestyle. Their relationship formed outside the machinery of celebrity culture, in an environment shaped by sport, travel, and young adulthood.

Russell’s transition from hockey to acting coincided with their relationship’s progression. Injuries had disrupted his hockey career in North America, leading him to Europe. By the time they married, he was beginning to shift toward acting, following in his parents’ footsteps.

Getting Married in 2012

Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell married on March 14, 2012, in Los Angeles. The wedding remained private, with minimal details shared publicly. After marriage, they settled into an upscale mobile home in Malibu, which they shared with Wyatt’s half-brother Boston and their two dogs. The living arrangement was simple yet comfortable, reflecting their preference for a quieter lifestyle despite residing in a glamorous area.

Their daily routine included beach walks, cooking at home, and spending time with family. The pets created warmth and normalcy in their household. While they attempted to maintain privacy, being part of a well-known family meant public attention sometimes found them anyway.

Adjusting to Life with the Russell-Hawn Family

Becoming part of the Russell-Hawn family meant sudden immersion among iconic figures such as Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, and Kate Hudson. The experience felt surreal initially. Paparazzi took random photos of Hamers simply because she stood next to Kate Hudson, making her uncomfortable. This constant public attention was completely foreign to someone raised in the Netherlands.

She recalled moments when cameras followed her during casual outings, capturing images just because of her proximity to famous family members. Over time, however, she learned something valuable: celebrities are ordinary people with normal routines and emotions. This realization helped her settle into her new environment.

Culture Shock: Dutch Life vs. Hollywood Lifestyle

The transition from the Netherlands to California delivered significant culture shock. Hamers went from a quiet student lifestyle to living in Malibu, surrounded by actors, media attention, and a much faster pace. Her first impression of Hollywood mixed excitement with shock, as everything felt bigger, louder, and more glamorous than she was accustomed to.

She noticed peculiar details that initially surprised her: the prevalence of beauty treatments like botox, disinfectant wipes next to shopping carts for cleaning handles, and doggie daycare centers on every corner. These observations highlighted the stark contrast between Dutch modesty and Hollywood excess. What initially seemed strange eventually became normal. Despite the adjustment, Hamers maintained her grounded personality, which helped her find comfort in this unfamiliar world.

Career Journey: From Intern to Professional Stylist

Working with Rachel Zoe

Hamers secured an internship with renowned celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe through connections within the Russell-Hawn family. This opportunity introduced her to the fast-paced world of Hollywood styling, where fashion plays a key role in public image and branding. The experience proved invaluable. She learned how red carpet styling works, how to coordinate looks for public appearances, and how to manage wardrobe planning for high-profile clients.

Working in such an environment required professionalism, discretion, and creativity under pressure. Zoe’s operation exposed Hamers to major designers, top brands, and iconic public figures. She witnessed firsthand how editorial shoots came together, how celebrities prepared for events, and the meticulous attention required for seamless execution. This internship strengthened her confidence as a stylist, proving that her skills could stand up in a competitive international setting.

Becoming Goldie Hawn’s Personal Stylist

Following her internship, Hamers’ career reached another important milestone when she began working as the personal stylist for Goldie Hawn[113]. Styling someone of Hawn’s status requires trust and strong professional ability. She helped plan outfits for public appearances, red carpet events, interviews, and everyday occasions. This role involved more than simply selecting clothing. It required understanding Goldie’s personality, body type, and the image she wanted to present.

The professional relationship demonstrated Hamers’ reliability. After her marriage to Wyatt Russell ended, she reportedly continued working with Goldie[113]. Maintaining that working relationship after a family change showed that her talent was respected independently of her marriage. Goldie remains her regular celebrity client.

Building Her Own Reputation

Hamers entered the fashion world around 2008, taking on small-scale styling projects and collaborations. She gradually constructed a professional persona through sustained effort. Her approach to fashion was modern, clean, and thoughtful, focused on enhancing individuality rather than following trends blindly. She worked on editorial shoots, red carpet styling, and collaborations with various clients.

Her styling became known for its elegant and refined quality. She helped clients develop coherent visual identities through consulting, establishing a reputation for minimalist and elegant work. Despite the exposure that came with her connections, Hamers continued to focus on building her own reputation rather than relying solely on her associations.

Transition to Interior Design and Creative Consulting

Through her styling work, Hamers experienced some of the most extraordinary homes, filled with carefully curated art collections and exquisite interior designs. Her passion for art, interiors, and unique objects became a driving force in her creative journey. Eventually, she transitioned from the fashion industry into interior design, naturally gravitating toward creating and curating distinctive objects.

She worked with companies like California Closets, where she used her design skills in practical ways. The transition highlights her adaptability. Instead of staying in one lane, she explored new creative avenues and expanded her skill set. Hamers still works as a stylist and creative consultant, focusing mainly on projects she believes in. Her work includes fashion styling, design planning, and creative direction. She has established a steady career on her own terms.

The Divorce and What Happened After

Why Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell Split in 2015

Court documents reveal that Hamers and Wyatt Russell separated on March 2, 2015, after nearly three years of marriage. The divorce filing cited irreconcilable differences, a standard legal phrase that offers no insight into the actual reasons behind their split. Both parties waived their rights to receive spousal support. The divorce was finalized in 2017, officially ending their relationship[152].

Property division showed the practical side of their separation. Russell retained their mobile home in Pacific Palisades, a 2014 Toyota Tundra truck, and personal items including jewelry, furniture, artwork, tools, and collectibles. The settlement also relieved him from responsibility for Hamers’ remaining student loans, totaling approximately $25,000. She kept her personal clothing, jewelry, artwork, and notably, all writing, screenplays, scripts, treatments, notes, ideas, stories, characters, and other creative works she had produced.

The couple had no children together, which simplified the legal process[152]. While some outlets speculated about emotional strain or lifestyle differences, no direct statements or verified court records support these narratives. Responsible reporting requires acknowledging that marriages end for complex, private reasons not meant for public consumption.

Stepping Away from the Spotlight

After the divorce, Hamers made a deliberate choice to step back from public attention[152]. She gave no interviews, made no public appearances, and maintained no verified social media accounts tracking her post-divorce life. This absence stands in stark contrast to Russell’s continued visibility, as his acting career gained momentum during this period.

Meanwhile, Russell began a relationship with actress Meredith Hagner in 2015 after meeting on the set of “Folk Hero & Funny Guy”. They married in 2019 and later welcomed two sons, Buddy Prine and Boone Joseph, with their second son born in February 2024.

Finding New Love and Partnership

Hamers eventually found love again with a partner who remains outside the public sphere. Some sources identify him as Joe Young, though this information lacks full confirmation. She keeps this relationship intensely private, sharing only occasional glimpses through social media. On Valentine’s Day, she posted a photo referring to him as “the love of her life”[162].

Becoming a Mother to Skippy in 2021

In 2021, Hamers became a mother to a son she calls Skippy. She described the best part of 2021 as “watching little Skippy grow from a tiny baby into a little man”[162]. Motherhood brought a new dimension to her identity, centering her life around family rather than fame.

Sanne Hamers Today: Life, Career, and Net Worth

Current Life in California

Hamers resides in La Jolla, California, where she has built a quiet and comfortable lifestyle with her partner, son Skippy, and two dogs named Splinter and Wade. Her days center around family time, outdoor activities, and quiet mornings rather than Hollywood events. The San Diego area provides the balance she sought after stepping away from the spotlight. Her social media posts reflect this shift, showing nature walks, cozy home scenes, and relaxed moments with her son.

Her Work as a Stylist and Creative Consultant

She continues working as a stylist and creative consultant, though she keeps most projects private. Her services include fashion styling, home styling, and organizational planning for select clients. Goldie Hawn remains her regular celebrity client, demonstrating the professional respect she earned independently of her marriage. She prefers quality over quantity, choosing projects that align with her values.

Atelier Preserve and Entrepreneurial Ventures

In January 2024, Hamers launched Preserve, A Family Atelier, serving as founder and creative director. She operates the only permanent studio in the United States specializing in 3D-printed sculptures of baby bumps, combining digital design with hand-finishing techniques. Besides this venture, she serves as Director of Interior Design at Bird Rock Oasis. She has developed partnerships with maternity businesses, birth centers, and prenatal chiropractors in San Diego. Her work includes collaborating with photographer Renata Lutz on a project called “Maternity Shoot Redefined,” combining fine art photography with custom 3D sculptures. She completed a specialized metal coating course in Boston to perfect her technique.

Estimated Net Worth and Income Sources

Her estimated net worth ranges between one and two million dollars. Income streams include styling projects, private consulting, design work, and entrepreneurial ventures. She reportedly received a financial settlement following her divorce, which provided stability as she rebuilt her career. Her wealth reflects years of consistent professional effort across multiple creative fields.

Social Media Presence and Privacy Choices

Hamers maintains a modest Instagram presence centered around design, lifestyle, and glimpses of personal life. She uses the platform to share work and connect with a smaller, engaged audience rather than seeking validation or fame. Her content shows simple family moments instead of glamorous events. This thoughtful approach reflects her desire for authenticity and privacy.

Conclusion

While the Hollywood spotlight initially found Hamers through her marriage to Wyatt Russell, she has proven that her story extends far beyond that chapter. From Dutch student to Rachel Zoe’s intern, from Goldie Hawn’s personal stylist to founder of her own creative ventures, she built a career defined by her own talents and choices.

Her journey demonstrates that stepping away from fame doesn’t mean stepping backward. By the same token, her transition from fashion styling to interior design and entrepreneurship shows adaptability and vision. Today, she focuses on what matters most: motherhood, meaningful work, and a private life she designed on her own terms.

FAQs

Q1. How did Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell meet? 

Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell met at a salsa bar in the Netherlands in 2010. At the time, Hamers was still a student and Russell was playing professional ice hockey in Europe. Their connection developed naturally through dancing and conversation, eventually leading to a relationship that prompted Hamers to move to the United States.

Q2. What does Sanne Hamers do for a living? 

Sanne Hamers works as a stylist, creative consultant, and interior designer. She has worked with celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and serves as Goldie Hawn’s personal stylist. In 2024, she launched Preserve, A Family Atelier, where she creates 3D-printed sculptures of baby bumps. She also serves as Director of Interior Design at Bird Rock Oasis.

Q3. When did Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell divorce? 

Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell separated on March 2, 2015, after nearly three years of marriage. Their divorce was finalized in 2017. The split was attributed to irreconcilable differences, and both parties waived their rights to spousal support. They had no children together.

Q4. What is Sanne Hamers’ estimated net worth? 

Sanne Hamers has an estimated net worth of approximately $1-2 million. Her income comes from various sources including styling projects, private consulting, interior design work, and her entrepreneurial ventures. She also reportedly received a financial settlement following her divorce from Wyatt Russell.

Q5. Does Sanne Hamers have children? 

Yes, Sanne Hamers became a mother in 2021 to a son she calls Skippy. She currently lives in La Jolla, California, with her partner, her son, and two dogs. She maintains a private life focused on family and her creative work.