Kurt Russell Recalls Val Kilmer’s Thoughtful Gift After Tombstone
Actor Kurt Russell recently shared a story about the meaningful exchange of gifts between himself and Val Kilmer following the completion of their work on the 1993 Western Tombstone. Russell, who portrayed Wyatt Earp, and Kilmer, who delivered a widely praised performance as Doc Holliday, both sought to express their appreciation for one another through symbolic gestures.
Reflecting on the tradition of exchanging gifts at the end of a film project, Russell explained that he had arranged for Kilmer to receive a burial plot at Boot Hill Graveyard in Tombstone, Arizona. This historic cemetery is the final resting place of several notable figures from the American Old West.
Unbeknownst to Russell, Kilmer had also prepared a gift for him—an acre of land overlooking Boot Hill. When discussing the significance of their respective gifts, Russell remarked, “Doc Holliday was all about death, but Wyatt’s all about life. I guess that pretty much says it all.”
Fond Memories of a Remarkable Co-Star
Russell spoke highly of his experience working alongside Kilmer, emphasizing the actor’s talent and dedication. “If you’re asking me if it was great working with Val Kilmer … the answer is absolutely,” he said.
Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday remains one of the most celebrated performances of his career. The actor later reflected on his connection to the character in his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, a title inspired by one of Holliday’s most famous lines from the film. Kilmer expressed his admiration for the gunslinger archetype and saw Doc as a figure who faced death with defiance, a quality he found compelling.
“My castmates were wonderful—Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp, and Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton as his brothers—and the experience was profound,” Kilmer wrote about his time working on Tombstone.
Kilmer passed away at the age of 65, as confirmed by his daughter. His legacy as an actor endures, with his performance in Tombstone remaining a standout moment in cinematic history.
