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Tombstone: A Legacy of the Wild West
Since its premiere, Tombstone has solidified its status as one of the most celebrated entries in the Western genre. The film chronicles the life of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, focusing on his experiences in the tumultuous town of Tombstone, Arizona. Upon its release, it garnered widespread acclaim, establishing a lasting impact on audiences and filmmakers alike.
A significant factor contributing to Tombstone‘s enduring popularity is its impressive cast. Kurt Russell takes the lead as Wyatt Earp, while Val Kilmer delivers a standout performance as Doc Holliday. The movie also features notable actors including Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Charlton Heston, and Robert Mitchum, who serves as the film’s narrator. Interestingly, a curious detail in the credits reveals that another Wyatt Earp is listed as part of the cast.
The Real Wyatt Earp’s Cousin Appeared in ‘Tombstone’
The inclusion of Wyatt Earp’s name in the film’s credits stems from the coincidence that an actor shares his name. This was not a case of the historical figure playing himself; in fact, the actor had no connection to the role of Earp in the story. Known as Wyatt Earp, he is actually the fifth cousin of the infamous lawman, which illustrates a fascinating aspect of their family tree. Despite their distant relation, this connection highlights the relatively recent timeline of Wyatt Earp’s life, as he passed away in 1929, just a short time before his cousin’s birth.
In Tombstone, Wyatt Earp appears in a minor role as Billy Claiborne, a character who is briefly present during the iconic O.K. Corral gunfight. In this crucial scene, he is seen amongst the outlaws just before the conflict begins, identifiable by his white shirt, reddish scarf, mustache, and cowboy hat. His swift departure from the scene reinforces the authenticity of his character, as historical accounts indicate that Claiborne did indeed remove himself from the fray and later attempted to impersonate the famous outlaw Billy the Kid.
The Actor Made an Interesting Career Out of Being Earp’s Cousin
Initially, Wyatt Earp, the actor, operated under the name Glen Wyatt Earp before adopting a simpler stage name. In discussions about his lineage, Kurt Russell mistakenly referred to him as Wyatt Earp III, highlighting the common confusion around their familial ties. Over time, the actor clarified his fifth cousin status, distancing himself from more direct genealogical claims.
Interestingly, the actor had a minor role in Tombstone that was expanded once the production team became aware of his relation to the famous lawman. According to a 1994 profile in Entertainment Weekly, Earp was originally slated for a smaller part but was ultimately cast as Claiborne after his connection to Wyatt Earp was revealed. He was known to interact with cast members about his famous cousin, and he disclosed that several scenes he filmed were ultimately edited out of the final cut.
An Obsession With Wyatt Earp Happened in the ’90s
During the 1990s, there was a notable resurgence in interest surrounding the figure of Wyatt Earp. Two major films focusing on his life were released during this time. The first, Tombstone, debuted in 1993 and illustrates Earp’s collaboration with other Western heroes against the treacherous Cowboys, featuring Kurt Russell in the titular role. The following year, Wyatt Earp, starring Kevin Costner, provided a more in-depth look into Earp’s personal journey.
The actor Earp sought involvement in both productions and attempted to land a role in Wyatt Earp before ultimately choosing to act in Tombstone. This decision proved advantageous, as Tombstone is now regarded as a classic Western. Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday has gained particular acclaim, contrasting sharply with the lukewarm reception of Wyatt Earp, which was criticized for its excessive runtime and received a lackluster 31% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Source
movieweb.com