‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ With These Facts from the 1979 ‘Elvis’ Movie Featuring Kurt Russell
In 1979, Kurt Russell got the role of playing music icon Elvis Presley in a film called Elvis, just a few years after Presley passed away. Though it was a TV movie, it is still considered one of Russell’s most famous roles and was directed by John Carpenter, known for the Halloween franchise. Instead of the more recent Baz Luhrmann adaptation, the Russell version focuses on Presley’s relationship with his mother Gladys, and aims to show Presley as a man, with innate humanness, not just a star. Let’s learn some interesting facts about the film!
Kurt Russell’s father plays his dad in the film too
Dick Clark Productions/Everett Collection
Bing Russell plays Presley’s father, Vernon, so the heartfelt scenes felt very genuine. Russell also clearly had chemistry with the star who played Priscilla, Season Hubley, as they wed just after the film was released. They had one son together named Boston. Of course, they ended up divorced and Russell has been with Goldie Hawn now for decades.
Before playing Elvis, Kurt Russell kicked him in real life
Everett Collection
Russell’s very first role at the age of 10 was in 1963’s It Happened at the World’s Fair, starring Presley. In one scene, Russell had to kick him!
Russell didn’t sing in the film
Everett Collection
While his acting chops were up to playing Presley, his singing was not. The voice you hear is actually country singer Ronnie McDowell.
Priscilla Presley was paid to check the script
Paramount Pictures/Everett Collection
She was reportedly paid $50,000 to read the script and make sure everything was accurate.
This wasn’t the only time Kurt Russell portrayed Elvis Presley
Warner Bros/Everett Collection
In 1994’s Forrest Gump, he voices a young Elvis in a cameo. In addition, he plays an Elvis impersonator in 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001) and in a full circle moment, a kid kicks him in the film.
