Kurt Russell has revealed a deeply personal keepsake he received from Val Kilmer following the filming of the 1993 Western classic Tombstone—a gesture that has taken on a more poignant meaning since Kilmer’s recent passing.
The two actors forged a close bond while portraying legendary figures Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. But it was off-screen where their friendship truly solidified, culminating in a quiet exchange of gifts that spoke volumes.
After production wrapped, Russell gifted Kilmer something fitting for his role as the doomed Doc Holliday—a burial plot at Boot Hill in Tombstone, Arizona. In a touching gesture of appreciation, Kilmer returned the favor with a gift just as symbolic: a piece of land overlooking Boot Hill itself.
“Doc Holliday was all about death, but Wyatt’s all about life,” Russell shared in a recent interview. “I suppose that encapsulates everything.”
Kilmer, who died at age 65, left behind more than just iconic lines like “I’m your huckleberry.” He leaves a legacy of unforgettable performances and lasting friendships—one of which is now immortalized in a quiet corner of the Arizona desert.
