Kurt Russell Recounts Dark Gifts Exchanged With Late Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer was known for his fearless spirit and unforgettable roles, but he also had a knack for dark humor, even when it came to gift-giving. The beloved actor, who passed away on April 1 at 65, left behind memories that make people smile despite the sadness of his passing.
Back in 1993, Val starred as Doc Holliday in the Western classic Tombstone, alongside Kurt Russell, who played Wyatt Earp. In a recent GQ interview, Kurt, now 74, opened up about the unique bond he shared with Val and the quirky way they celebrated wrapping up filming.
Kurt explained that back in those days, it wasn’t mandatory to exchange gifts after filming, but it was a nice gesture that many actors did. He remembered how much fun it was working with Val and how their sense of humor matched perfectly. Wanting to do something memorable, Kurt had a creative idea. He asked his driver to track down Val’s holster, gun, hat, and the iconic chair from the movie set that had Val’s name on it. Kurt wanted to take a photo with the items as part of a playful gift for his co-star.
But Val wasn’t one to be outdone. When Kurt handed him the gift, Val gave his own present in return — a plot at Boothill, a famous cemetery known for its Old West graves. Not missing a beat, Kurt laughed and revealed that Val’s gift to him was an acre of land overlooking Boothill. Kurt couldn’t help but reflect on how fitting the gifts were, saying, “Doc Holliday was all about death, but Wyatt’s all about life. I guess that pretty much says it all.”
Sadly, Val’s passing came after years of health struggles. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, he fought hard and recovered, only to succumb to pneumonia earlier this week, as his daughter Mercedes confirmed to The New York Times. The news sent waves through Hollywood, with many stars taking to social media to honor his legacy.
Josh Brolin, star of The Goonies, shared a heartfelt photo on Instagram, writing, “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.”
Meanwhile, Stranger Things actor Matthew Modine reflected on how a chance meeting with Val in 1985 had shaped his career, thanking the late actor for his influence and guidance.
