Val Kilmer made a lasting impression in Hollywood with many great roles, but his portrayal of Doc Holliday in the western classic Tombstone is one fans will never forget. Alongside Kurt Russell, who played Wyatt Earp, Kilmer helped bring the Old West back to life in one of the most beloved westerns of the 1990s. While fans remember the film for its intense performances and gritty storytelling, Russell recently opened up about a little-known moment behind the scenes—one that shows Kilmer’s famously dark and clever sense of humor.
After Kilmer’s passing on April 1 at the age of 65, stories celebrating his life and work flooded in from some of the biggest names in the film world. Directors like Ron Howard, Francis Ford Coppola, and Michael Mann shared heartfelt tributes. But a 2024 interview with Russell resurfaced, offering fans a more personal—and quite unusual—glimpse into the friendship he shared with Kilmer during and after filming Tombstone.
In a conversation with GQ, Russell, now 74, spoke about how it was common, though never expected, for actors to exchange gifts at the end of a film shoot. Reflecting on his time working with Kilmer, he said the experience was fantastic and that he wanted to give his co-star something that would stand out. He didn’t want to go the traditional route, so he came up with a very unique idea. With the help of his driver, he managed to gather some items from the set—Kilmer’s hat, holster, gun, and even his chair with his name on it. Russell then took a photo of these items, but that was just the beginning of the surprise.
Russell had arranged for something far more memorable: he gifted Kilmer a burial plot in the legendary Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone, Arizona. The real-life cemetery is known for being the final resting place of many figures from the Wild West. It was a fitting tribute to Kilmer’s role as Doc Holliday. But Kilmer, ever the sharp wit, had a gift of his own waiting. After accepting the burial plot, Kilmer looked at his driver and asked for what he had prepared in return. What he handed Russell was not a plot—but a whole acre of land with a view of Boothill.
Russell found the moment both hilarious and strangely poetic. “Doc Holliday was all about death, but Wyatt’s all about life,” he said with a laugh, reflecting on how the gifts captured their characters perfectly.
There were more moments like that behind the scenes that revealed Kilmer’s humor and dedication to his craft. One story Russell shared came from Kilmer himself, who remembered how screenwriter Kevin Jarre insisted on complete historical accuracy during the production of Tombstone. That included having the cast wear heavy wool clothing, just like people did in the 1880s. The problem was, the movie was shot during the brutal Arizona summer. During one particular scene in the Birdcage Theater, Kilmer spotted a thermometer that read 134 degrees Fahrenheit. He joked that perhaps Doc Holliday’s dangerous edge came from sweating through wool suits in the blazing desert heat.
Beyond the jokes and playful gift exchanges, there was clearly deep respect between the two actors. Kilmer never hesitated to credit Russell for the success of Tombstone. In a 2017 statement, Kilmer went as far as saying that Russell was entirely responsible for making the film what it was. Kilmer’s admiration went beyond words, and it’s reflected in how their bond continued long after the cameras stopped rolling.
When Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes, confirmed that he passed away due to complications from pneumonia, it marked the end of a remarkable life and career. But stories like the one Russell shared help keep Kilmer’s memory alive—not just as an actor, but as a friend who brought humor, talent, and heart to everything he did.
