10 Western Characters Almost As Cool As Doc Holliday

1993 saw George P. Cosmatos helming an illustrious group of actors in the Western film, “Tombstone”. This movie was a retelling of Wyatt Earp’s struggles against the Cowboy gang in Tombstone, Arizona during the Old West era. By gathering talents such as Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot and Charlton Heston, Cosmatos crafted an epic revenge film that captivated audiences, revitalizing the genre for years to come. One of the key factors contributing to its success was the acclaim for Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t deny that some Western characters have truly left an indelible mark on cinema history, like Will Munny, Jill McBain, and the Man With No Name. However, there are other memorable characters who, though they don’t quite reach the iconic status of Doc Holliday, still contribute significantly to the genre’s richness and keep viewers engaged — even if their charm doesn’t quite match up to Holliday’s allure. From ruthless villains to stoic heroes and everything in between, these characters add depth and excitement to the genre, making every movie a captivating experience.

Played By Christian Bale and Russell Crowe

2007 saw James Mangold directing the tale 3:10 to Yuma, with Christian Bale portraying Dan Evans, a valiant rancher, and Russell Crowe as the cunning outlaw, Ben Wade. The narrative revolves around Evans teaming up with a posse to transport Wade, who’s in custody, on a train headed for prison. Surprisingly, despite his fearsome reputation, Wade turns out to be quite charismatic and intelligent, gradually developing respect for Evans over the course of their journey.

While Dan Evans is undeniably a remarkable character in the tale, Crowe’s portrayal of Wade significantly outshines, as the outlaw evolves from a morally ambiguous figure to a more complex and enlightened one throughout the narrative. Essentially, Crowe brings to life the disillusionment inherent in the Old West, which gradually erodes Evans’ valor until Wade eventually redeems himself following the heart-wrenching climax. On the other hand, Evans manages to shake off his son’s image of him as a coward during the climactic confrontation by outsmarting Wade’s gang, thereby solidifying his reputation as a respectable and morally upright individual who consistently makes right choices. Ultimately, both characters are equally compelling, making it challenging to single out one as the standout, given their harmonious dynamic and their joint contribution to the story.

Played By Gary Cooper

In my perspective, it’s all about me, a retiring marshal named Will Kane, who learns that a notorious outlaw, Frank Miller, is on his way back to our town. Instead of enjoying my honeymoon, I feel compelled by duty to prepare for this confrontation. As I attempt to rally the locals to help me, I encounter nothing but rejections at every turn. Despite the cowardice displayed by the townsfolk, I remain steadfast in my resolve until the climactic moment when I face Miller and his gang head-on.

In the annals of Western cinema, Kane’s character stands as an enduring symbol of what it takes to be a noble lawman, inspiring generations with his valor and resilience, echoing legends like Wyatt Earp. Although he may not have been as proficient in marksmanship as someone such as Doc Holliday, Kane’s portrayal offers a more earthy examination of morality and law enforcement in the Old West. This iconic figure is admired not only within the narrative but also by fans worldwide, symbolizing the necessity of good individuals stepping up when no one else does.

Played By Christoph Waltz

The story of “Django Unchained” unfolds with a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz, freeing Django from bondage for the purpose of tracking down a band of criminals. As their bond deepens, Django aids Schultz in rescuing his wife, Broomhilda, who is held captive by a merciless plantation owner named Calvin Candie. Driven by his abhorrence of slavery and the obligation to uphold Django’s newfound freedom, the former dentist demonstrates remarkable ingenuity and skill in devising the rescue operation, also showcasing his exceptional abilities as a bounty hunter.

In the movie, Christoph Waltz portrayed Schultz only two years following Hans Landa. Unlike Landa, Schultz is characterized by his moral compass, advocating for Abolitionism throughout the narrative. Essentially, he presents a contrast to the refined image of a more civilized world against the harshness of the Deep South. Waltz truly deserved his Oscar for this role. Unfortunately, Schultz meets his end at the hands of Candie after nearly two hours of Tarantino carefully constructing him as one of the most likable, intelligent, and compassionate characters within the genre.

Played By Kurt Russell

The movie, titled “Tombstone,” is chiefly centered around the narrative of Wyatt Earp, a notable figure who, together with his brothers, served as significant law enforcers in Tombstone, Arizona. Known for his fearsome reputation as a gunfighter both on-screen and in historical accounts, Earp is portrayed as an expert marksman. After the demise of one brother and the injury of another, the film delves into Earp’s pursuit of vengeance, which transforms him from a composed lawman to a merciless seeker of justice.

In an unexpected turn of events, while the movie primarily revolves around the character Wyatt, who is a Western legend in his own right, Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Holliday remarkably became the central focus of the film. This was largely due to Kilmer’s exceptional acting and lines. However, even before and after the ’93 epic, the role of Holliday was originally intended for Kurt Russell. But in this movie, it is Kilmer who makes the character his own.

Played By John Wayne

This western narrative revolves around JB Books, an elderly gunslinger who wishes to spend his remaining days in tranquility after being diagnosed with cancer. However, ambitious young gunfighters aim to establish their reputations by eliminating him. In response, instead of succumbing peacefully, he chooses a fiery exit. Simultaneously, he develops a bond with local widow, Bond Rogers, and mentors her son, imparting his ethical principles. Essentially, Books can be considered the equivalent of Doc Holliday in this world.

JB Books isn’t just a character elevated by the story itself, but also by his importance within the genre and the actor John Wayne who portrayed him. In his world, Books is a formidable, legendary combatant. Yet, he is more than that – he serves as a significant part of Western film history, marking the final role for an iconic Hollywood figure, much like how Dr. Holliday was to Val Kilmer’s fans.

Played By Clint Eastwood

The movie “The Outlaw Josey Wales” starts with a Southern farmer discovering the remains of his family who were brutally killed by a Union militia known as Redlegs. As he joins the Confederacy during the war, Wales employs it as an opportunity for retribution against the North. When his side eventually loses and surrenders, Wales becomes an outlaw instead. Unlike his fellow soldiers, Wales isn’t portrayed as fighting for the South or its institutions like slavery; rather, his motivation remains a relentless pursuit of vengeance throughout the film.

Among Clint Eastwood’s Western characters, The Outlaw Josey Wales stands out as the most memorable and impactful, boasting both depth and a formidable presence, even though he is associated with the Confederacy. Whereas The Man With No Name lacks complexity, The Outlaw Josey Wales compensates by offering a character who is tormented yet defined by the American Civil War. The Outlaw Josey Wales doesn’t actively seek conflict, but when it confronts him, he invariably emerges victorious – and it would be challenging to envision Holliday prevailing against him in a fair contest.

Played By Lee Van Cleef

The film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” commences with a merciless gun-for-hire, Angel Eyes, grilling a man to locate a hidden cache of gold. By exploiting information from numerous individuals, he relentlessly pursues the treasure, often engaging in violent confrontations with the Man With No Name and Tuco. Throughout the movie, Angel Eyes consistently emphasizes his ruthless nature, ultimately being the last member of his gang to make it to the cemetery alive.

In another remarkable role from the Dollars Trilogy, Van Cleef portrayed Colonel Mortimer; however, it is challenging to surpass the impact, menace, and intelligence of Angel Eyes. His exceptional detective abilities during the gold hunt, coupled with his expert gunfighting skills, solidified his reputation as “the bad” in Leone’s masterpiece. Placing a character like Angel Eyes against Doc Holliday would have intensified tales like Tombstone even further, providing Kilmer’s hero with an appropriate adversary to match his prowess.

Played By Henry Fonda

In another time, during the final breaths of the Wild West era, the narrative unfolds around a band of killers, spearheaded by a man named Frank, as they strive to seize a tract of land for a wealthy railroad magnate. Upon exterminating the land’s original inhabitants, the family, Frank encounters their widow, Jill McBain, along with her guardians – gunfighters Cheyenne and Harmonica. Spotting a chance to accumulate wealth, Frank makes his move for the property, revealing himself as a cold-blooded killer at every turn.

In the classic film “Once Upon A Time In the West“, Henry Fonda portrays a character named Frank, who stands out as an exceptional choice for an actor against type. Frank is not only the most superb, icy-cold, and lethal villain that the genre has ever produced, but his menacing presence would make even the fearless Doc Holliday shudder with dread.

Played By Eli Wallach

Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy” boasts a wealth of intriguing characters, but none more so than the Man With No Name. The most compelling collection of characters unfolds in the final installment, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly“, where the plot revolves around three distinct individuals chasing after hidden Confederate gold. At the core of this tale is a complex alliance between Eastwood’s anti-hero and the villainous Tuco, with each character in possession of crucial information about the treasure location.

Tuco, portrayed brilliantly by Eli Wallach, embodies the quintessential survivor, demonstrating an uncanny knack for making it through any situation, despite his dualistic personality providing a touch of humor to the film. Often overlooked yet formidable in the Wild West, Tuco’s marksmanship skills subtly persuade spectators that he could outshoot even a legend like Holliday. Wallach’s portrayal of Tuco gave life to virtually every Western outlaw stereotype, and since then, few characters have captivated audiences as much.

Played By Jeff Bridges

Since the classic John Wayne film, Charles Portis’ “True Grit” has been a renowned masterpiece within its genre. In 2010, the Coen Brothers crafted a more authentic adaptation of the novel, focusing on Mattie Ross as she partners with aging US Marshal Rooster Cogburn and Texas Ranger LaBeouf to bring outlaw Tom Chaney to justice for her father’s murder. Initially portrayed as a gruff, elderly man, Cogburn challenges the romanticized image of the Wild West. However, as the story unfolds, he gradually wins over the audience, revealing glimpses of his former heroic self – a trait he demonstrates one last time in the climactic scenes.

In a remarkable twist, the Coen Brothers’ adaptation of “True Grit” outshines the original and stands among the scarce Western characters who are equally captivating as Holliday. Despite being portrayed as a disheveled alcoholic, he demonstrates his true grit in the climax – a testament to the man legends speak of. Furthermore, his confrontation with the Lucky Ned Pepper Gang showcases his prowess with dual pistols, matching the deadly accuracy displayed by Kilmer’s character.

2025-04-18 03:38