Wyatt Earp Cast Then and Now: A Journey Through Time
From Oscar winners to Emmy champions, the stars of Wyatt Earp have blazed new trails since 1994. Uncover the surprising twists in Kevin Costner's career, Dennis Quaid's enduring charm, and the unexpected path of Gene Hackman. Ready for a wild ride through Hollywood's frontier?
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Costner (Wyatt Earp) continues to shine in Western roles, notably in Yellowstone
- Dennis Quaid (Doc Holliday) maintains a successful acting career at 70
- Gene Hackman (Nicholas Earp) retired from acting in 2004 to focus on writing
- Michael Madsen (Virgil Earp) has appeared in notable films like The Hateful Eight
- Several cast members, including Catherine O'Hara, have found success in television
Gallery
Gallery: Wyatt Earp 1994
Introduction
The 1994 epic Western Wyatt Earp brought together a stellar cast to portray the legendary lawman and his contemporaries. Nearly three decades later, let's revisit these talented actors and see where their careers have taken them since their days in the Old West.
Kevin Costner as Wyatt Earp
Then (1994)
At 39, Costner took on the titular role fresh off his Oscar wins for Dances with Wolves.
Now (2024)
At 69, Costner has gained renewed acclaim for his role in the TV series Yellowstone (2018-2022) and his passion project Horizon: An American Saga.
Dennis Quaid as Doc Holliday
Then (1994)
Quaid was 34 when he portrayed the enigmatic Doc Holliday, showcasing his range as an actor.
Now (2024)
At 70, Quaid continues to act, appearing in films like Soul Surfer and The Intruder. Most recently appearing in 2024's Reagan.
Did You Know?
The runtime of "Wyatt Earp" is a whopping 3 hours and 11 minutes, making it one of the longest Western films ever made.
Gene Hackman as Nicholas Earp
Then (1994)
At 63, Hackman was already an Oscar winner for The French Connection and Unforgiven. Hackman was one of the most prominent actors of his generation.
Now (2024)
At 93, Hackman has been enjoying retirement since 2004 after his final film, Welcome to Mooseport. He's focused on writing, publishing several acclaimed novels.
Michael Madsen as Virgil Earp
Pre-Wyatt Earp
Gained recognition for Thelma & Louise and Reservoir Dogs, but faced personal struggles.
Post-Wyatt Earp
He appeared in Donnie Brasco and Kill Bill, showcasing his acting versatility.
Recent Years
He delivered a standout performance in The Hateful Eight (2015), maintaining his status as a respected actor despite past challenges.
Star Power
Kevin Costner wasn't the first choice for Wyatt Earp. The role was originally offered to Kevin Costner's "Dances with Wolves" co-star, Graham Greene.
Bill Pullman as Ed Masterson
Early Career
Starred in Spaceballs and Sleepless in Seattle before Wyatt Earp. He was 36 in 1994.
Breakout Role
Played the President in Independence Day (1996).
Recent Work
Starred in the TV series The Sinner (2017-2021). He is 68 in 2024.
Richard Wells
Best Westerns Through The Decades Voted By Reddit
Catherine O'Hara as Allie Earp
Early Career
Known for her work on SCTV (1976-1984), Beetlejuice and Home Alone. She was 36 in 1994.
Post-Wyatt Earp
Appeared in Christopher Guest films like Best in Show.
Recent Success
Won Emmy Awards for her role in Schitt's Creek (2015-2020). She is 70 in 2024.
Box Office Showdown
"Wyatt Earp" was released just 6 months after another Wyatt Earp film, "Tombstone", starring Kurt Russell. "Tombstone" significantly outperformed "Wyatt Earp" at the box office.
Tom Sizemore as Bat Masterson
1994
At 32, Sizemore had appeared in True Romance before taking on the role of Bat Masterson.
Career Highlights
Starred in Heat, Saving Private Ryan, and Black Hawk Down.
Legacy
Sizemore continued acting in various films and TV shows until his passing in 2023.
Other Notable Cast Members
- Mare Winningham (Mattie Blaylock): From early success in St. Elmo's Fire to recent Emmy wins for Mildred Pierce and Dopesick.
- Joanna Going (Josie Marcus): Transitioned from soap operas to film and had recurring roles in Mad Men and House of Cards.
- Mark Harmon (Johnny Behan): Gained widespread recognition as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS (2003-2021).
Method Acting
To prepare for his role as Doc Holliday, Dennis Quaid lost 43 pounds and spent hours studying Holliday's mannerisms and Southern accent.
Behind the Scenes and Legacy
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, Wyatt Earp aimed to provide a comprehensive look at Earp's life. Despite underperforming at the box office and facing mixed critical reception, the film has since gained appreciation for its detailed portrayal of Wyatt Earp's life.
The movie was part of a 1990s resurgence in Western films, alongside Tombstone and Unforgiven. It offered a more nuanced view of Earp's life compared to earlier portrayals and contributed to the ongoing fascination with Wyatt Earp in popular culture.
Over the years, cast members have reunited at Western film festivals, and the leads, Costner and Quaid, have remained friends, occasionally reminiscing about the film.
Family Affair
Director Lawrence Kasdan's son, Jake Kasdan, appears in the film as a young Wyatt Earp. Jake later became a successful director himself, known for films like "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle".
The Continued Appeal of Wyatt Earp
Earp's life continues to captivate audiences interested in the Old West. The blending of fact and legend keeps his story relevant, with new films and TV shows continuing to explore his life and legacy.
As we look back on Wyatt Earp and its cast, we're reminded of the film's role in bringing this legendary figure to life for a new generation and the lasting impact it had on the careers of its stars.
FAQ Section
- Who played Wyatt Earp in the 1994 film?
Kevin Costner portrayed Wyatt Earp in the 1994 film. - What other notable Western roles has Kevin Costner taken since Wyatt Earp?
Costner has starred in the TV series Yellowstone and is working on a Western film project called Horizon: An American Saga. - Did any of the Wyatt Earp cast members win awards for their performances?
While the film itself didn't win major awards, many cast members have won awards for other roles. For example, Catherine O'Hara won Emmy Awards for her role in Schitt's Creek. - How old was Dennis Quaid when he played Doc Holliday?
Dennis Quaid was 34 years old when he portrayed Doc Holliday in Wyatt Earp. - Are any of the main cast members from Wyatt Earp still acting today?
Yes, many of the cast members are still active in the industry. Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, and Bill Pullman, among others, continue to act in films and television series.
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