Kurt Russell’s iconic Western film, Tombstone, brings to life a rich tapestry of real historical figures, yet it leaves viewers curious about the futures of those who survived the infamous showdown between the Earps and the Cowboys. While the film portrays numerous deaths—from the calculated executions of criminals like Curly Bill Brocious (Powers Boothe) to the haunting end of Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer)—it concludes with most of the main characters’ fates shrouded in mystery. Fortunately, the few survivors of this legendary tale led lives that were no less compelling and intriguing.
Despite a brief narration at the film’s close that mentions some surviving characters’ eventual outcomes, it fails to fully encapsulate their life journeys post-Arizona. Many of these individuals experienced varied fortunes: some found happiness and adventure, while others faced tragic ends just years later. Moreover, Tombstone inaccurately portrays certain details about these survivors—showing that historical accuracy can often slip through the cracks of cinematic storytelling.
Wyatt Earp
Married Josephine & Lived Adventurously Until 1929
Wyatt Earp’s journey didn’t conclude with the events of Tombstone. After marrying Josephine Marcus (Dana Delany), as depicted in the film, Wyatt embarked on extensive travels that led to numerous adventures. Over the years, he took various occupations—including boxing referee, gold prospector, and even a consultant for Hollywood films during the industry’s golden era. His adventurous spirit carried him across the country—from establishing a saloon in Nome, Alaska, to reconnecting with his brother Virgil in California. Essentially, Wyatt’s post-Tombstone narrative is filled with fascinating experiences and undertakings.
Ultimately, Wyatt Earp lived a long life, passing away in 1929 at the age of 80 from a urinary tract infection (as noted by Casey Terfertiller). He spent his final moments in January with Josephine by his side, having no children but leaving behind a legacy that has captivated history enthusiasts for decades.
Josephine Marcus
Traveled & Gambled Across The United States
Josephine Marcus mirrored Wyatt’s adventures, accompanying him across the nation throughout their long union. Strikingly, she outlived Wyatt by nearly two decades, passing away on December 19, 1944, in their Los Angeles home (via West Adams Heritage Association). Upon her death, both she and Wyatt were cremated and interred together in Colma, California, marking a profound partnership that spanned many intriguing years.
Virgil Earp
Worked As A Lawman & Saloon Owner Until His Death in 1905
Virgil Earp (played by Sam Elliott) survived the tumultuous events of Tombstone, albeit bearing lasting scars from an assassination attempt orchestrated by the Cowboys that resulted in the loss of functionality in his left arm. Post-recovery, Virgil returned to Colton, California, where he resumed a robust career as a lawman and later became the first city marshal of his town (via Historynet).
Besides his law enforcement endeavors, Virgil ventured into saloon management, running Earp’s Hall in Vanderbilt, California, before shifting his focus to mining in Prescott, Arizona. Tragedy struck again when he suffered injuries from a cave-in at a mine, which compounded his health struggles. Ultimately, he succumbed to pneumonia in 1905, with his weakened state contributing to his inability to withstand the infection (via Goldfield Historical Society). Virgil is remembered for his daughter, Nellie, who survived him.
Mattie Blaylock
Returned To Prostitution & Died From Opium Overdose in 1888
In stark contrast to Wyatt and Josephine’s enduring romance, Mattie Blaylock (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson), Wyatt’s former wife, faced a challenging fate after Tombstone. After Wyatt abandoned her for Josephine, Mattie reverted to her previous lifestyle in prostitution, struggling in Pinal, Arizona, until her untimely death in 1888. Tragically, her addiction to laudanum ultimately led to her demise, whether by accidental overdose or suicide, highlighting the darker realities of life in the Old West.
Ike Clanton
Continued His Life Of Crime Until He Was Shot Dead in 1887
Among the surviving Cowboys, Ike Clanton (Stephen Lang) had a brief reprieve after Wyatt Earp spared him but quickly resumed his life of crime. After Wyatt departed from Tombstone, Ike returned to criminal activities with his family, engaging in illegal acts until the end. In June 1887, he met his fate after a confrontation with Pinkerton Detective Jonas Brighton, who shot Ike as he tried to draw his weapon, resulting in a swift death from a shot to the heart (via Apache County Critic).
Sherman McMasters
Conflicting Accounts of McMasters’ Death
While Tombstone accurately captures much of the Earp saga, one notable error surrounds the character Sherman McMasters (Michael Rooker) and his eventual fate. Contrary to the film’s portrayal of his death during the Earp Vendetta, historical records present three conflicting accounts of his demise. While one source claimed he died in that vendetta, Wyatt Earp maintained that McMasters perished in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, while his family reported that he died in 1892 in Colorado (via Paul Cool).
Most historians agree that he likely passed away in Colorado, 1892, a conclusion based largely on documentation from his relatives. This inconsistency serves as a reminder of the challenges in piecing together the truth of historical events. Ultimately, while the film’s portrayal added dramatic flair, it is pivotal to acknowledge the discrepancies that exist and their implications for historical accuracy.