**Kurt Russell Details Cryptic “Dark Gifts” Ritual with Val Kilmer After *Tombstone* Wrap in Revealing 2024 Interview**

Val Kilmer demonstrated a morbid wit through his unconventional approach to presents during his final years.

During a January 2024 GQ interview, Kurt Russell disclosed exchanging grim mementos with the late actor following their collaboration on the 1993 Western classic Tombstone. Kilmer passed away April 1 at age 65.

The 74-year-old Russell explained to GQ that cast members traditionally swapped keepsakes after completing productions, though never as an obligation.

“When people inquire if I enjoyed collaborating with Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, my answer remains emphatically positive,” stated Russell, who starred as Wyatt Earp.

“In that era, colleagues frequently exchanged tokens of appreciation post-filming,” he elaborated. “This practice stemmed from personal sentiment rather than professional requirement.”

Russell recounted requesting assistance from his assistant to acquire Kilmer’s character memorabilia – including firearms, holster, headwear, and personalized seating from the set.

The veteran actor revealed presenting Kilmer with burial space at Arizona’s historic Boothill Graveyard, final resting place for numerous Wild West legends.

“When I handed Val his gift, he immediately instructed his assistant, ‘Bring it here.’ My offering contrasted with his reciprocal present – he secured me a scenic acre overlooking that same cemetery,” Russell recalled.

“Doc Holliday embodied mortality while Wyatt Earp represented vitality,” Russell chuckled. “Our exchanged gifts perfectly encapsulated those character essences.”

Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes confirmed to The New York Times that her father succumbed to pneumonia after battling throat cancer since 2014. The 33-year-old noted he had been in remission prior to his passing.

Hollywood colleagues flooded social media with tributes, including actor Josh Gad.

Josh Brolin shared an Instagram photo memorializing his friend: “Farewell, partner. Your brilliant, complex, courageous creativity will be deeply missed.”

Matthew Modine posted on X: “Val Kilmer’s memory lives on. Our 1985 meeting at The Source unexpectedly led to my Full Metal Jacket casting. Eternal gratitude.”