Kurt Russell recently reminisced about his childhood role in the classic 1963 film, *It Happened at the World’s Fair*, during an appearance on *Late Night with Seth Meyers*. The actor, now 74, reflected on his early experience on set, which included a memorable scene where he kicked Elvis Presley in the shin—a moment that has stayed with him through the years.
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In the decades since his debut, Russell has made a name for himself in Hollywood, yet he recalls his early work with an unusual charm. In *It Happened at the World’s Fair*, Russell had the unique credit of “Boy Kicking Mike”. This role was facilitated by a whimsical plot in which Elvis’s character, trying to impress a nurse, concocts a plan that involves paying a young boy to kick him. Russell amusingly recounted how he received 50 cents for the act, an experience he described as both special and somewhat daunting.
During his chat with Meyers, the actor recalled the practical effects employed at the time, saying, “That’s pre-CGI, right? So he had a pad on him, and everybody was a little worried about it.” Russell vividly remembered the instructions he received about the scene: “They said, ‘Now, kind of go easy,’ and I had shoes, not sneakers, and I’m looking at it like, ‘I can’t miss that,’ and I did it about 10 times.” He added that Presley seemed unconcerned, reassuring the crew, saying, “I think he’s got it, I don’t think I’m too worried about that.”
Remarkably, years later, Russell portrayed Presley himself in the 1979 biopic titled *Elvis*. Serendipitously, his father, Bing Russell, played the role of Vernon Presley, the music icon’s father. Kurt noted the parallel between his and Elvis’s ages during the respective projects, highlighting the unique connection they shared through the years.
The chemistry between Russell and Presley extended beyond the film set. Kurt shared a touching anecdote about the day his father visited the filming location. “Is that your father over there?” Elvis famously asked Kurt, expressing a desire to meet Bing Russell. In a charming exchange, the singer complimented Bing’s style, noting how he admired the way he wore his hat in cowboy films. This interaction further exemplifies the down-to-earth nature of the rock star, as all Kurt could do was smile at the positive feedback.
Russell’s affection for Presley is evident from these stories, painting a picture of a young boy who appreciated the opportunity to work with such a legendary figure. He fondly recalled this particular interaction, recalling how Elvis asked for permission to mimic Bing’s hat style in his own films. “That’s how cool a guy he was,” Kurt noted, reflecting on the warmth that characterised their encounter. The famed musician indeed employed the same hat style in his 1969 film *Charro*, affirming Bing’s influence on him.
As Kurt Russell continues to forge his own path in the entertainment industry, he remains rooted in his early experiences that shaped him. His nostalgia was evident as he reminisced about the former days, a time when he kicked Elvis Presley and inadvertently laid the groundwork for his illustrious career. The blend of charm and talent saw him navigate seamlessly from child actor to one of Hollywood’s most respected figures.
Fans of the actor will be keen to check out his latest project, *The Madison*, which premieres on Paramount+ on 14 March. With the first three episodes set to launch, viewers will be treated to Russell’s latest offering, further solidifying his status in the entertainment realm passed on from his early days working with icons like Presley.
As he reflects on his early roles, Kurt Russell embodies a rich tapestry of history in film, enriched by personal stories that add depth to his public persona. It serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings that many iconic actors share, while also celebrating the genius of a few legends.