Accidental cult star Kurt Russell enjoying renaissance

Kurt Russell has never won a major acting prize but is starring this year in two films expected to set box office records. - AFP

Los Angeles (AFP) - If not for Kurt Russell's mainstream, boyish good looks, the phrase "cult star" would work for this unpredictable actor whose career includes some of history's best-loved box office flops.

Picture the 66-year-old's performances in comedy crime caper "Big Trouble in Little China," sci-fi horror film "The Thing" or buddy cop movie "Tango and Cash," and it's easy to see why he has just about attained "national treasure" status.