When Wyatt Russell — the son of Hollywood icons Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn — briefly stepped away from his acting path to play ice hockey in the Netherlands, he had no idea that a spontaneous night out at a salsa bar would change everything. It was there that he met Sanne Hamers, a Dutch fashion student whose journey would take her from the quiet canals of Amsterdam all the way to the sun-soaked shores of Malibu.
Sanne Hamers is often introduced as Wyatt Russell’s ex-wife, but there is far more to her story than a Hollywood marriage. She is a self-made stylist, a design consultant, a mother, and someone who chose quiet dignity over public drama when her marriage ended. This article covers everything you need to know about Sanne Hamers — her early life, her relationship with Wyatt Russell, the divorce, and the fulfilling chapter she is living today.
| Quick Facts About Sanne Hamers | |
| Full Name | Sanne Lotto Hamers |
| Date of Birth | June 1987 |
| Birthplace | Dronten, Netherlands |
| Raised In | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch-American |
| Education | University of Groningen (Fashion & Styling) |
| Profession | Stylist, Design Consultant |
| Known For | Ex-wife of actor Wyatt Russell |
| Marriage | Wyatt Russell (March 14, 2012 – October 2017) |
| Children | One son — Skipper Cassin Young (born March 2, 2021) |
| Current Partner | Joe Young (musician and producer) |
| @design.by.sanne | |
| Net Worth (est.) | $500,000 – $1 million |
| Current Location | California, USA |
Early Life of Sanne Hamers: Roots in the Netherlands
Sanne Lotto Hamers was born in June 1987 in Dronten, a small municipality in the Flevoland province of the Netherlands. She grew up in Amsterdam, the cultural and creative capital of the country, where artistic sensibilities and a strong appreciation for design are part of everyday life. The Dutch upbringing gave her a grounded outlook — practical, independent, and quietly confident — qualities that would serve her well through the twists and turns ahead.
Education and Early Career in Styling
Sanne pursued her academic interests at the University of Groningen, earning a degree in fashion and styling. It was during her student years in Groningen that her path would intersect with a young Canadian ice hockey player named Wyatt Russell, who was playing for the Groningen Grizzlies at the time.
Even as a student, Sanne showed a clear passion for visual aesthetics and helping people present their best selves. She began building her skills in fashion consultation and personal styling — a career she would continue to develop even as her personal life took unexpected turns.
How Sanne Hamers Met Wyatt Russell
The story of how Sanne Hamers met Wyatt Russell is surprisingly ordinary for a couple with a Hollywood connection. In 2010, Wyatt was playing professional ice hockey in Europe, carving out a career on the ice rink rather than the red carpet. One night, he ended up at a salsa bar in the Netherlands with his hockey teammates — and so did Sanne.
There were no photographers, no publicists, and no Hollywood glamour. Just two young people who clicked over dancing and easy conversation. That casual evening turned into friendship, which grew into a genuine relationship. Wyatt was drawn to Sanne’s easygoing nature and grounded personality, and Sanne appreciated that he wasn’t leading with his celebrity last name.
From the Netherlands to Malibu
As their relationship deepened, Sanne made the significant decision to leave the Netherlands and move to the United States with Wyatt. Moving to California — a place louder, faster, and flashier than anything she had known back home — was a cultural adjustment. She found herself suddenly connected to one of Hollywood’s most recognisable families, rubbing shoulders with stars like Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson. It was a world apart from Amsterdam.
The Marriage: Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell
Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell married on March 14, 2012, in a private ceremony in Los Angeles. The couple kept the occasion intimate, away from media attention, in keeping with the understated way they had built their relationship. After the wedding, they settled into life together in Malibu, sharing an upscale mobile home with Wyatt’s half-brother Boston Russell and their two dogs.
Life in Hollywood was a study in contrasts for Sanne. On one hand, she was building a professional reputation as a stylist — most notably working with Goldie Hawn, her then-mother-in-law, as a personal stylist. On the other hand, the proximity to fame meant constant attention and adjustment.
By all accounts, the early years of the marriage were happy. The couple appeared together at public events, and friends described their dynamic as warm and natural. However, like many marriages tested by shifting careers and changing priorities, cracks began to form.
The Divorce: What Happened Between Sanne and Wyatt Russell?
In March 2015, after approximately three years of marriage, Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The legal process took longer than the marriage itself — the divorce was officially finalised in October 2017.
Divorce Settlement Details
The settlement terms were relatively straightforward and handled without public drama. Sanne retained ownership of her personal artworks, jewellery, any screenplays she had written, and personal belongings of sentimental value. Wyatt kept the Pacific Palisades mobile home, a Toyota Tundra truck, and other luxury items. Neither party sought spousal support. Sanne did receive $25,000 — roughly equivalent to the student loan she had taken out during her university years.
Importantly, both Sanne and Wyatt handled the split with maturity. There were tabloid rumours linking Wyatt to actress Meredith Hagner during this period, though those claims were never substantiated — Wyatt and Meredith only became public as a couple after the divorce proceedings were well underway. They married in August 2019.
Sanne Hamers’ Career: Stylist, Designer, and Creative Consultant
While Sanne Hamers may have entered public awareness through her marriage, her professional identity stands entirely on its own. She has worked as a fashion stylist and, more recently, as a design consultant — roles that speak to her dual passion for aesthetics and helping people create beautiful spaces.
One of the more notable aspects of her career was her work with Goldie Hawn as a personal stylist. This collaboration with one of Hollywood’s most recognisable figures gave Sanne valuable experience working with high-profile clients and understanding the nuanced demands of celebrity styling.
Today, she is reported to work as a design consultant with California Closets, a well-known interior design company, where she helps clients build organised, functional, and beautiful living spaces. She shares her work under the Instagram handle @design.by.sanne, where her aesthetic sensibility — clean lines, calm colours, and European minimalism — is evident in every post.
Where Is Sanne Hamers Now? Life After Wyatt Russell
Far from disappearing after the divorce, Sanne Hamers has built a full and happy life on her own terms. She lives in California — reportedly near San Diego — with her partner Joe Young, a musician and producer, and their son Skipper Cassin Young, born on March 2, 2021.
Sanne has spoken warmly about motherhood, describing it as the defining joy of recent years. She has shared glimpses of family life on social media: weekend walks, garden picnics, quiet mornings with her son and their dogs Splinter and Wade. It is a life that looks nothing like the Hollywood whirlwind she was briefly adjacent to, and that appears to be entirely by choice.
A Private Life, a Public Presence
Sanne’s social media presence is measured and intentional. Rather than seeking attention, she uses her platform to share her design work, lifestyle moments, and the occasional tender photo of her son Skippy. Her following has grown organically — driven by curiosity from people who first searched her name in relation to Wyatt Russell, but who stayed because of her genuine warmth and talent.
Her estimated net worth sits between $500,000 and $1 million, built through years of consistent professional work in styling and design — not through celebrity association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanne Hamers
Who is Sanne Hamers?
Sanne Hamers is a Dutch-American fashion stylist and design consultant, best known internationally as the ex-wife of actor Wyatt Russell. She was born in Dronten, Netherlands, in June 1987 and currently lives in California with her partner and son.
When did Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell get married?
Sanne Hamers and Wyatt Russell married on March 14, 2012, in a private ceremony in Los Angeles. They filed for divorce in March 2015, and the process was officially finalised in October 2017.
Does Sanne Hamers have children?
Yes. Sanne Hamers welcomed a son named Skipper Cassin Young on March 2, 2021, with her partner Joe Young. She and Wyatt Russell did not have children during their marriage.
What does Sanne Hamers do for a living?
She works as a professional stylist and design consultant. Her past work includes personal styling for Goldie Hawn, and she currently works with California Closets as a design consultant. Her work can be followed on Instagram at @design.by.sanne.
Is Sanne Hamers still connected to the Russell-Hawn family?
There is no public indication that Sanne maintains a close relationship with the Russell-Hawn family following her divorce from Wyatt. Both she and Wyatt have moved on separately — Wyatt is now married to actress Meredith Hagner, with whom he has children.
Conclusion
Sanne Hamers is proof that the most compelling stories are often the quietest ones. She came to public attention through her marriage to Wyatt Russell, but what defines her is the life she built entirely on her own — as a skilled creative professional, a devoted mother, and a woman who chose peace over the spotlight.
From the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam to the Pacific coast of California, her journey spans cultures, careers, and chapters. She didn’t let a high-profile divorce define her. She simply got back to work, found love again, and built something real.
If you’re curious to see more of Sanne’s design work and daily life, you can find her on Instagram at @design.by.sanne — where she shares the creative, calm world she has made for herself and her family.
