Kurt Russell Reunites with Keith David After 40 Years at Hollywood Ceremony

LOS ANGELES, April 3 — Kurt Russell and Keith David thrilled fans during a surprise reunion after more than 40 years apart at a ceremony honoring director John Carpenter, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The two actors, known for their roles in Carpenter’s iconic film ‘The Thing,’ embraced and exchanged warm words at the event held on Thursday.

In footage captured by writer Wynter Mitchell, Russell complimented David, saying, “You look terrific,” as the two reminisced about their shared history. Their reunion has since gone viral, sparking an outpouring of joy from fans eager to see the beloved actors together again.

Both actors garnered fame for their roles as American researchers battling a shape-shifting alien in Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic ‘The Thing.’ Despite their frequent collaborations with Carpenter over the years, including Russell’s roles in ‘Escape from New York’ and ‘Big Trouble in Little China,’ ‘The Thing’ remains the only film in which the two starred together. Their characters, MacReady and Childs, are depicted as the last survivors at the movie’s conclusion, leading to an ambiguous ending that has fueled fan theories for decades.

The movie, set in Antarctica, features a gripping storyline where paranoia and suspense unfold as the researchers confront the terrifying alien creature. Fans reflected on the film’s impact with comments on social media, with one remarking, “Dudes rock,” while another stated, “This s*** means something to me, man.” A third simply referred to them as “two absolute icons and legends.”

Humor also emerged from the reunion, with comments questioning which of the characters, MacReady or Childs, was ultimately “The Thing.” Observant fans noticed cinematographer Dean Cundey, who worked on ‘The Thing,’ standing in the background, prompting one viewer to jokingly comment, “Dean Cundey glaring at them in the background is killing me.”

During the ceremony, Russell praised Carpenter, saying, “There are very, very few directors whose signature is so clearly and instantly stamped upon a film that within thirty seconds of viewing it, the informed watcher can boldly and confidently say out loud, oh that’s directed by so and so. John Carpenter is one of those rare, very few so and so’s… there’s nobody more deserving, my friend, than John Carpenter.”

In his speech, Carpenter expressed gratitude to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for the honor, reflecting on his career, “I was looking for a career in Hollywood. Well, I found my career. And today, I have found Hollywood.”