The cast of the 1993 film Tombstone was crucial in bringing the iconic Western to life. Tombstone is based on the true story of Western lawmen and outlaws from the 1880s. The movie retells the historical gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the ensuing Earp Vendetta Ride, focusing on the infamous Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. It was released during a Western movie boom, and although it only had a $25 million budget, Tombstone earned $73.2 million worldwide, making it a financial success.
Director George P. Cosmatos’ Western has since become a classic and beloved film. The iconic quotes in Tombstone make it highly memorable. It is even considered to be one of the best films in the Western genre. This popularity is strengthened by the strong performances of many cast members tied to both the Western and action genres.
Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp
Birthdate: March 17, 1951
Kurt Russell was born in Springfield, MA, and was first cast in three episodes of The Dick Powell Show. That same year, he had an uncredited role in the Dennis the Menace television show. Russell worked closely with director John Carpenter, and together they made five famous movies, including Escape From L.A., Escape From New York, Elvis, Big Trouble in Little China, and The Thing.
Character: Russell plays Wyatt Earp, the former lawman who relocated to Tombstone to start a new life. He soon becomes the center of the town’s drama and struggles. The real Wyatt Earp lived from 1848-1929, dying at 80. Russell has starred in many Westerns, with Tombstone being his most famous.
Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday
Birthdate: December 31, 1959
Val Kilmer was born in Los Angeles and began with a background in theater, following his education from Juilliard School. Starring alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, his first role was in a 1983 ABC Afterschool Special episode on the dangers of drinking and driving. His career has contained many hits, including acting as Iceman in Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick 36 years later. He has battled with throat cancer since 2015, but he remains active in the industry.
Character: Kilmer plays Doc Holliday, the charismatic and skilled gambler who becomes close friends and associates with Wyatt Earp. The real Doc Holliday lived from 1851-1887. He had tuberculosis but was still able to fight well despite his ailing health. Kilmer was praised for his performance in Tombstone, especially giving life to Holliday’s heavy sweating and hard drinking.
Sam Elliott as Virgil Earp
Birthdate: August 9, 1944
Sam Elliott was born in Sacramento, CA, and began his career with a 1967 Western film, The Way West. His first leading role was in the B-movie horror film Frogs, while Elliot’s first significant role was in Lifeguard almost nine years after his career began. He has had a substantial career as a character actor and is famous for his iconic deep voice. He has a significant career appearing in Western movies and shows.
Character: Elliott plays Virgil Earp, Wyatt’s older brother and Tombstone’s marshal. He is dedicated to maintaining order in the town. The real Virgil Earp lived from 1843-1905.
Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp
May 17, 1995 – February 25, 2017
Bill Paxton was born in Fort Worth, TX, and began his career with an uncredited role in Crazy Mama. He went on to do minor roles in Stripes, Mortuary, and Weird Science before he began working in more prominent parts. Paxton worked in varying capacities on many projects with director James Cameron, including Titanic, The Terminator, True Lies, and Aliens. He was also in a new wave band called Martini Ranch, which released one album in 1988. He died from health complications in Los Angeles in 2017 at the age of 61.
Character: Paxton plays Wyatt’s younger brother, Morgan, who helps his family attempt to bring justice and order. The actual Morgan Earp lived from 1851-1882 and died from a gunshot wound in Tombstone at the age of 30.
Powers Boothe as William “Curly Bill” Brocius
June 1, 1948 – May 14, 2017
Powers Boothe was born in Snyder, TX, and began his career in theater, starring in a 1974 Lincoln Center production of Shakespeare’s Richard III. Boothe’s first on-screen role was in the 1977 film The Goodbye Girl, where he was also credited as part of an in-movie production of Richard III. His career mainly included roles as politicians, war leaders, or superheroes. He has contributed voice acting to several DC animated characters. Boothe passed away in 2017 from his battle with pancreatic cancer.
Character: Boothe played “Curly Bill,” a vital member of the Clanton gang who was especially ruthless. The real William Brocius lived from 1845-1882.
Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo
Birthdate: July 31, 1956
Michael Biehn was born in Anniston, AL, and began his career with a bit part in the 1978 film Grease. Biehn worked closely with director James Cameron on films like Aliens, The Abyss, and The Terminator. Mostly an action film star, Biehn portrayed a Navy SEAL three separate times. He stepped back from acting in the mid-2010s, now mainly taking roles in low-budget films or as single-episode guest roles.
Character: Michael Biehn played John Ringo, a dangerous outlaw and member of the Clanton gang. Ringo had an infamous rivalry and gunfight with Doc Holliday. The real William Brocius lived from 1850-1882.
Tombstone Supporting Cast & Characters
Robert Mitchum as Narrator – Robert Mitchum was born in Bridgeport, CT, on August 6, 1917, and died on July 1, 1997. He is known for his significant contributions to film noir. His most notable works include Night of the Hunter, Cape Fear, and El Dorado.
Michael Rooker as Sherman McMasters – Born in Jasper, AL, in 1955, Michael Rooker is best known for starring as Merle Dixon in The Walking Dead and as Yondu Udonta in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Dana Delany as Josephine Marcus – From New York City, Dana Delany is best known for her breakthrough role in the late 80s television drama China Beach. She has also voiced Lois Lane in the animated Superman and Justice League installments.
Stephen Lang as Ike Clanton – Stephen Lang was born in New York City in 1952 and has been in the entertainment industry since 1981. Lang is best known as the main antagonist, Colonel Miles Quaritch, in James Cameron’s Avatar. His character in Tombstone, Ike, is a significant member of the Clanton gang.