Kurt Russell Kicked Elvis in the Shin as a Child on His First Film

The actor recalls the time he had to deliver a swift kick to the King's leg while filming 'It Happened at the World's Fair' in 1963.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:35pm

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Kurt Russell, now 74 years old, is reminiscing about his first movie role as an 11-year-old, when he had to kick Elvis Presley in the shin for a scene in the 1963 musical 'It Happened at the World's Fair'. Russell explained that Presley's character needed an excuse to meet a nurse, so he paid the young Russell 50 cents to kick him. While Russell was worried about actually hitting Presley, the King assured the crew that he wasn't too concerned about it after Russell performed the stunt about 10 times. Russell also recalled a sweet moment on set when he introduced Presley to his father, actor Bing Russell, and Presley complimented Bing's distinctive cowboy hat style, which he later emulated in his 1969 Western 'Charro'.

Why it matters

This story provides a unique glimpse into the early acting career of Kurt Russell and his experience working alongside the legendary Elvis Presley. It highlights the casual and collaborative nature of the film industry in the 1960s, where a young actor could be tasked with physically interacting with a major star like Presley. The anecdote also showcases Presley's graciousness and down-to-earth personality, as he put the young Russell at ease and even took inspiration from his co-star's father's fashion sense.

The details

In the 1963 film 'It Happened at the World's Fair', Russell played a young boy who was paid 50 cents by Presley's character to kick him in the shin as a way to create an excuse to meet a nurse. Russell was worried about actually hitting Presley, but the crew assured him that Presley had protective pads on and told Russell to 'go easy'. Russell ended up performing the stunt about 10 times before Presley gave his approval, saying 'I think he's got it. I don't think I'm too worried about that'.

  • Russell was 11 years old when he made his film debut alongside Presley in 1963.
  • The 'It Happened at the World's Fair' scene with Russell kicking Presley was filmed in Los Angeles.

The players

Kurt Russell

A 74-year-old actor who made his film debut as an 11-year-old, starring alongside Elvis Presley in the 1963 musical 'It Happened at the World's Fair'.

Elvis Presley

The legendary American singer and actor who starred in the 1963 film 'It Happened at the World's Fair', in which a young Kurt Russell had to kick him in the shin for a scene.

Bing Russell

Kurt Russell's father, who was an actor known for his cowboy roles, and whom Elvis Presley complimented on his distinctive hat style.

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What they’re saying

“He had a pad on him and everybody was a little bit worried about it and they said, 'Now, kind of go easy.'”

— Kurt Russell

“Elvis was like, 'I think he's got it. I don't think I'm too worried about that,' you know?”

— Kurt Russell

“Mr. Russell, I love the way you wear your hat in all the cowboy movies you do. If I ever do a cowboy movie, would it be okay if I wore my hat your way?”

— Elvis Presley

The takeaway

This story highlights the casual and collaborative nature of the film industry in the 1960s, where a young actor like Kurt Russell could physically interact with a major star like Elvis Presley. It also showcases Presley's graciousness and down-to-earth personality, as he put the young Russell at ease and even took inspiration from his co-star's father's fashion sense.