In a GQ interview from January 2024, Kurt Russell shared a funny story from his time on the set of Tombstone (1993). The Western film brought Russell and Val Kilmer together as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, respectively. Russell shared that they had a tradition of exchanging gifts at the end of a filming project. While this practice wasn’t a requirement, it was something both actors enjoyed doing. In the wake of Val Kilmer’s recent passing on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65, following a battle with pneumonia, Russell’s reflections about the gifts they exchanged offered fans and family another glimpse into Val Kilmer’s life and his sense of humor. Val Kilmer’s dark gift to Kurt Russell: a burial plot Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer/Instagram Russell was quick to describe his time working with Kilmer as incredibly positive. He shared that he always enjoyed working with people who made the process enjoyable. In the GQ interview, Russell mentioned that after wrapping up their work on Tombstone, he felt compelled to give Kilmer something special. Russell went on to explain that he asked his driver to acquire some items from the film set, including Kilmer’s holster, gun, hat, and a chair with Kilmer’s name on it. These items were all props from Tombstone. But they didn’t stop there, Russell revealed that he gave Kilmer a burial plot in the Boothill Graveyard, a cemetery in Tombstone, Arizona, which is famous for being the final resting place of several Old West figures. While Kilmer, in turn, gifted Russell an acre of land overlooking Boothill Graveyard. Russell later joked about the two characters, saying, “Doc Holliday was all about death, but Wyatt’s all about life.” TOMBSTONE, from left: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, 1993. ph: John Bramley / © Buena Vista Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection Numerous celebrities have taken to social media to honor Val Kilmer Kilmer had been battling throat cancer since 2014, but his health deteriorated further in 2025 due to pneumonia. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed the news of his death to The New York Times. Despite his health struggles, Kilmer remained an influential figure in Hollywood, with his performances in Top Gun (1986), Batman Forever (1995), and Tombstone. TOMBSTONE, Buck Taylor, Kurt Russell, Peter Sherayko, Val Kilmer, Michael Rooker, 1993, (c) Buena Vista/courtesy Everett Collection Numerous celebrities have taken to social media to honor Kilmer’s memory. Cher, Josh Brodlin, Michael Mann, and Francis Ford Coppola have all paid tribute to the late actor. Next up: Val Kilmer Once Shared Why He Never Wanted To Star In ‘Top Gun’ The post Kurt Russell Gifted Val Kilmer A Burial Plot After Wrapping ‘Tombstone’ appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Peace A

Top Gun is one of the most-watched and celebrated films of the 1980s. It was praised for its impressive standard of action and excellent performances by its actors. Among the roles that caught the viewers’ attention was Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, the cold and confident rival to Tom Cruise’s Maverick. His performance was top-notch, and it made him one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Surprisingly, Kilmer never wanted the role in the first place. In his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, Kilmer revealed that he had no interest in Top Gun. He didn’t connect with the story, nor did he see himself in the role of a fighter pilot. However, circumstances beyond his control forced him to take the part. What started as an unwanted job turned into one of the best and most unforgettable roles of his career. Why Val Kilmer didn’t want the ‘Top Gun’ role initially Val Kilmer/Instagram Before Top Gun, Val Kilmer had built a reputation for being selective with his roles. He often chose characters that challenged him. He shared that when he first read the script for Top Gun, he was unimpressed. He wrote in his memoir, “I thought the script was silly, and I had no interest in playing a fighter pilot.” His disinterest was so strong that he was not enthusiastic about his audition. He gave a performance, expecting to be rejected. TOP GUN, Val Kilmer, 1986 To his surprise, he got the job. Kilmer was contractually obligated to work with Paramount Pictures, so he couldn’t turn down the role. Despite his reluctance, director Tony Scott saw something in him and assured him that the script would improve. Val Kilmer eventually embraced the role, but he did it in his own way — through method acting. Val Kilmer in Top Gun/Instagram Val Kilmer was committed to becoming “Iceman.” He created his own backstory for the character. He studied fighter pilots, practiced their mannerisms, and even distanced himself from Tom Cruise off-screen to maintain their on-screen rivalry. “I would purposely play up the rivalry between Tom’s character and mine off-screen as well,” Kilmer said. His approach paid off, as Iceman became one of the most memorable characters in the film. His cold delivery and intense stare made him the perfect actor for the role. ‘Top Gun’ became a huge success and dominated the box office TOP GUN, Rick Rossovich, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Tom Cruise, 1986 Despite his initial reluctance, Top Gun became a massive success. It dominated the box office in 1986 and turned its cast into superstars. Kilmer’s performance as Iceman was widely praised, and his rivalry with Maverick became one of the best aspects of the film. Over the years, fans came to love his character, and his lines — especially “You can be my wingman anytime” — became legendary. Kilmer eventually returned to the franchise in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), despite facing serious health struggles. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, which affected his ability to speak. However, he was determined to reprise his role. The filmmakers worked with him to ensure his return was meaningful, using AI technology to recreate his voice. Although they denied using AI, his emotional scene with Tom Cruise was one of the most touching moments in the sequel. Val Kilmer and Cruise shared mutual respect despite their contrasting acting styles. TOP GUN, Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Barry Tubb, 1986 Sadly, Val Kilmer passed away in 2025, leaving a legacy of unforgettable performances. From Top Gun to Batman Forever and Tombstone, he was a versatile actor who displayed excellence at what he did and contributed to the success of the Top Gun franchise. Next up: Nicolas Cage Pays Tribute To Val Kilmer, Highlights The Oscar He ‘Deserved’ The post Val Kilmer Once Shared Why He Never Wanted To Star In ‘Top Gun’ appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Peace A

One incident changed the course of her life and career.