Kurt Russell was the actor who famously kicked Elvis Presley's shins in a memorable scene from his film debut.
A Memorable Screen Debut
The actor who performed the distinctive act of kicking Elvis Presley was none other than Kurt Russell. This iconic moment occurred in Russell's very first film role, making it a unique entry point into what would become a celebrated acting career spanning decades. The scene was featured in the 1963 musical-comedy film, It Happened at the World's Fair.
Behind the Scenes of the Kick
Recalling the incident years later, Kurt Russell shared the fascinating backstory behind the on-screen kick. At the time, Russell was a young boy and a great admirer of Elvis Presley. Due to his respect and fan appreciation for such a monumental star, Russell initially expressed reluctance to actually kick Elvis during filming. To encourage the young actor and ensure the scene was performed as intended, Elvis Presley himself offered and paid Russell $5 to carry out the kick. This charming anecdote highlights a personal interaction between the legendary "King of Rock and Roll" and a budding actor, marking a peculiar yet significant start to Kurt Russell's long and successful career in Hollywood.
