'Tombstone' released in 1993 is a classic Western and had an iconic cast
'Tombstone' is one of those timeless films that, when you stumble upon it while flipping through cable channels, instantly triggers nostalgia. This cinematic gem made its theatrical debut on Christmas Day in 1993. It delved into the real-life tale of a 30-second gunfight that unfolded on the streets of Tombstone, Arizona, in 1881, a showdown pitting the Earp brothers against the Clantons and McLaurys.The film boasts an impressive audience score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It also proved to be a financial success, raking in $56 million at the box office, all accomplished on a modest budget of just $25 million. Here's a look at where the film's illustrious cast is now.
Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp
Kurt Russell's portrayal of the fearless lawman Wyatt Earp in 'Tombstone' made a significant impact on audiences. At the time of the film's release in 1993, Russell was 41 years old. He went on to act in 'Stargate' (1994), 'Executive Decision' (1996), 'Breakdown' (1997), and 'Vanilla Sky' (2001). He then portrayed Herb Brooks, the gold-medal-winning hockey coach of Team USA, in 'Miracle' (2004). His more recent film credits include appearances in 'Furious 7' (2015), 'The Hateful Eight' (2015), and 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' (2017). According to Just Jared, as of 2022, Kurt Russell and his son Wyatt Russell were set to star in Apple's forthcoming live-action series that revolves around the world of Godzilla and Titans.
Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday
Val Kilmer's performance as Doc Holliday, the consumptive gambler and legendary gunslinger, was truly extraordinary. His acting career includes notable roles in films such as 'Top Gun' (1986), 'The Doors' (1991), 'Heat' (1995), 'Batman Forever' (1995), and numerous direct-to-video productions. Kilmer's talents also extended to creating pop art inspired by his iconic characters. According to Hollywood Life, Kilmer bravely revealed his battle with throat cancer in 2017. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, he remains an immensely influential actor who has left an indelible mark on the film industry. His most recent appearance was reprising his role as Iceman in the 2022 sequel, 'Top Gun: Maverick'.
Sam Elliott as Virgil Earp
Sam Elliott's portrayal of Virgil Earp, the older brother of Wyatt and a respected lawman, showcased his remarkable acting prowess. His notable film credits include 'Mask' (1985) and 'Road House' (1989). Elliott later lent his distinctive voice to narrate the cult favorite 'The Big Lebowski' (1998) and appeared in the 2018 film 'A Star is Born'. Today, Sam Elliott resides on a seaside ranch in Malibu, California, with his wife of 38 years, Katharine. According to People, he continues to be involved in Western-themed projects and portrayed Shea Brennan in the Paramount+ miniseries '1883', consisting of 10 episodes, which premiered on Paramount+ in December 2021.
Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp
Bill Paxton's portrayal of Morgan Earp, the spirited younger brother of Wyatt, injected youthful energy and charisma into the character. His diverse filmography included roles in 'Weird Science' (1985), 'Apollo 13' (1995), 'Twister' (1996), 'Titanic' (1997), and 'Edge of Tomorrow' (2014). Paxton also played a polygamist with three wives in the HBO series 'Big Love' (2006-2011). He died in 2017 at the age of 61 while filming the CBS series 'Training Day', as per Rolling Stone. His contributions to cinema are fondly remembered, and he is greatly missed by fans and the industry alike.
Powers Boothe as Curly Bill Brocius
Powers Boothe's portrayal of Curly Bill Brocius, the ruthless outlaw leader, was both menacing and unforgettable. He earned an Emmy for his role in the TV movie 'Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones' (1980). Boothe's film credits included appearances in 'Red Dawn' (1984) and 'Nixon' (1995). He notably portrayed Cy Tolliver in HBO's 'Deadwood' (2004-2006). In more recent years, Boothe appeared in ABC's 'Nashville' (2012-2014) and 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D' (2015-2016). He died in Los Angeles on May 14, 2017, just 18 days shy of his 69th birthday, due to the effects of pancreatic cancer, per Entertainment Weekly.
Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo
Michael Biehn's Johnny Ringo, the skilled gunslinger and antagonist of the film, left a chilling and intense impression. Biehn's filmography included roles in 'The Abyss' (1989) and appearances alongside Bill Paxton in four other films: 'The Lords of Discipline' (1983), 'The Terminator' (1984), 'Aliens' (1986), and 'Navy SEALs' (1990). He has also made an appearances on 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' in the episode ‘The Wild and the Innocent'.
Dana Delany as Josephine Marcus
Dana Delany brought elegance and grace to her portrayal of Josephine Marcus, a love interest of Wyatt Earp. She has since received acclaim with two Emmy wins for her lead role in the TV series 'China Beach' (1988-1991). Delany also appeared in ABC's 'Desperate Housewives' (2007-2012) and Amazon's 'Hand of God' (2014-2017). In addition to her Emmy success, Delany has taken on notable roles in various shows, including 'The Code' and 'The Comedians', showcasing her versatility and talent, as per Deadline.
Charlton Heston as Henry Hooker
Charlton Heston made a cameo appearance as Henry Hooker, a rancher and ally to the Earp brothers, adding gravitas to the film. Heston was known for iconic roles in classics such as 'Ten Commandments' (1956), 'Ben-Hur' (1959), and 'Planet of the Apes' (1968). Additionally, he served as the five-term president of the National Rifle Association. Charlton Heston died on the morning of April 5, 2008, at his residence in Beverly Hills, California. His devoted wife of 64 years, Lydia, was by his side during his final moments, The New York Times reported.
Jason Priestley as Billy Breckinridge
Jason Priestley took on the role of Billy Breckinridge, a young lawman, showcasing his acting talent beyond his well-known television role. He received two Golden Globe nominations for his portrayal of Brandon Walsh in 'Beverly Hills, 90210' (1990-2000). As of 2023, Jason Priestley was observed at the screening of his latest film, ‘Offside: The Harold Ballard Story’, in Toronto, Daily Mail reported.
Billy Zane as Mr Fabian
Billy Zane brought charm and sophistication to his portrayal of Mr Fabian, a theater owner. Zane is recognized for playing Match in 'Back to the Future' (1985) and Rose's fiance, Caledon Hockley, in 'Titanic' (1997). Zane has since expanded his involvement in the film industry by becoming a principal partner in a production company and content distributor named RadioactiveGiant. He recently acted in the 2023 film 'Centurion: The Dancing Stallion'.
Billy Bob Thornton as Johnny Tyler
Billy Bob Thornton left a lasting impression despite his limited screen time as Johnny Tyler, a troublemaking cowboy. He won an Oscar for writing 'Sling Blade' (1996) and earned nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for the same film. Thornton also starred in the title role in 'Bad Santa' (2003) and appeared in 'Goliath' on Amazon. His filmography includes a range of genres and roles in 'Eagle Eye' (2008), the action movie 'Faster' (2010), and the dark comedy 'The Baytown Outlaws' (2012). In 2013, he took on the role of a secret service agent in 'Parkland'. Billy Bob Thornton's most recent project is his significant role in 'Devil's Peak'.
Thomas Haden Church as Billy Clanton
Thomas Haden Church convincingly portrayed Billy Clanton, one of the members of the notorious outlaw gang. He was previously known for his role as Lowell in the TV series 'Wings' (1990-1997) and received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Sideways' (2003). This acclaimed role opened doors to further opportunities, leading to appearances in films such as 'Idiocracy' (2006), ‘Smart People' (2008), ’Imagine That' (2009), and ’Easy A' (2010). Additionally, he lent his voice to animated characters in ’Charlotte's Web' (2006). Hollywood Reporter noted that Thomas Haden Church, known for his recent reprisal as the Spider-Man villain Sandman in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021), has now teamed up with Kevin Costner in a Western film titled 'Horizon', produced by New Line and Warner Bros.
Stephen Lang as Ike Clanton
Stephen Lang's portrayal of Ike Clanton, the leader of the outlaw gang, added a sense of cunning and ruthlessness to the character. He also worked alongside Sam Elliott in 'Gettysburg' (1993) and appeared in 'Gods and Generals' (2003) and 'Avatar' (2009). Lang received a Tony nomination for the 1992 Broadway production of 'The Speed of Darkness'. He then went on to act in 'Conan the Barbarian' (2011), 'Don't Breathe' (2016), 'Mortal Engines' (2018), 'Don't Breathe 2' (2021), 'Avatar: The Way of Water' (2022), and 'The Lost City' (2022). Next, he is set to act in the mystery movie 'Muzzle' (2023) and the sports drama 'The Featherweight' (2023).
Michael Rooker as Sherman McMasters
Michael Rooker took on the role of Sherman McMasters in 'Tombstone’. His diverse filmography includes appearances in 'Sea of Love' (1989) and 'JFK' (1991). Rooker is perhaps best known for portraying Merle Dixon in AMC's series 'The Walking Dead' (2010-2013) and Yondu in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014) and its 2017 sequel, alongside Kurt Russell, and also 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' (2023). Recently, Rooker acted in the comedy/adventure Netflix Movie, 'The Out-Laws'.
