Kurt Russell, the legendary Hollywood star, is not one to shy away from controversy. Recently, he found himself in the hot seat after expressing his conservative beliefs. But rather than backing down, Russell boldly pointed to the Founding Fathers to defend his stance.

In an interview with The New York Times, Russell made it clear that he believes celebrities should stay out of politics. As a self-proclaimed “hardcore libertarian,” his views on politics sharply differ from those of his Hollywood peers. When asked about gun control, Russell firmly stated, “If you think gun control is going to change the terrorists’ point of view, I think you’re, like, out of your mind.” This statement ignited a media frenzy, with Russell later admitting he felt “ambushed” and reluctantly offered his opinion on the matter.

But Russell didn’t stop there. In a candid interview with The Daily Beast, the actor not only doubled down on his stance but also explained how he became a libertarian. Reflecting on his early years, he expressed his struggle to align with the political culture around him. Determined to find clarity, Russell delved into the teachings of the Founding Fathers and discovered libertarianism. “They were pretty radical guys, and damn smart,” he said. “I just believe in that old-time stuff and think they had great ideas.”

Russell’s admiration for the Founding Fathers also shaped his perspective on the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. He emphasized that the Founding Fathers included this provision for a crucial reason – governments have historically needed to fight their own people. “I think that’s an important part of our existence,” he asserted.

While Russell usually keeps his broader libertarian beliefs private, he has been intentional about avoiding political talk shows. He is steadfast in his belief that celebrities have no business lecturing Americans. Russell explained, “I don’t want to go on those shows and have someone think: ‘The last thing I want to do is watch Kurt Russell talk about sh*t that I don’t think he knows anything about.”

But Russell wanted to set the record straight about his core beliefs. “I believe in limited Constitutional government, free market capitalism, reach for the brass ring,” he said. He also didn’t hold back when addressing the fact that his political views are in the “extreme minority” in Hollywood. While acknowledging the criticism he has faced, Russell proudly declared, “I was a hardcore libertarian.”

The Tombstone star also expressed his disdain for the fakery surrounding politics in Hollywood. He identified a lot of “faux-libertarians” and “faux-conservatives,” stating that many individuals in the industry don’t truly embody their claimed political beliefs.

Despite his views making him unpopular among certain circles in Hollywood, Russell remains unapologetic. As he reflected on his interactions with others, he shared, “The thing people did get to know about me if they engaged me is that I’m fair, I’m pretty energetic, and I’m pretty knowledgeable. I don’t pop off without finding out about stuff—and I like finding out about stuff, and don’t have that much of an agenda about it.”

Kurt Russell, whose acting career spans decades, has defied the odds by successfully transitioning from child actor to major Hollywood talent. Alongside his longtime partner, actress Goldie Hawn, Russell continues to make his mark in the industry while fearlessly standing up for his conservative beliefs.