Val Kilmer was born in 1959 in the Los Angeles area of California. His father was a real estate developer and an aerospace equipment distributor. Kilmer discovered his passion for acting early in life, performing before completing high school. He attended Hollywood Professional School and later became the youngest student ever admitted to the Drama Division of the Juilliard School in New York City.
Kilmer began his film career with the comedy "Top Secret!" in 1984. He took on several supporting roles throughout the 1980s before achieving a breakthrough performance in 1991, portraying legendary rock musician Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s biographical film "The Doors." The role showcased Kilmer's dramatic range and marked a turning point in his acting career.
Among Kilmer’s most well-known roles is his portrayal of fighter pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 1986 blockbuster "Top Gun." In 1993, he starred as gunslinger Doc Holliday in "Tombstone," a performance widely praised by critics. Two years later, in 1995, he took over the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in "Batman Forever." That same year, he appeared alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the acclaimed crime thriller "Heat."
In 1998, Kilmer lent his voice to the character of Moses in the animated film "The Prince of Egypt." He went on to star in "The Salton Sea" and co-starred with Michael Douglas in the action film "The Ghost and the Darkness" in 1996. Kilmer has also played unique roles such as the ghost of Elvis Presley in "True Romance."
During the 1990s, Kilmer developed a reputation for being difficult to work with. Conflicts reportedly arose between him and director Michael Apted on the set of "Thunderheart," as well as with Joel Schumacher during the filming of "Batman Forever." These tensions may have contributed to his decision not to reprise his role as Batman, opting instead to appear in "Heat."
Kilmer’s life off-screen has often attracted media scrutiny. He has been romantically linked to numerous celebrities, including Cindy Crawford, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Cher. He married British actress Joanne Whalley in 1988 after they met on the set of the film "Willow." The couple divorced in 1996 and share two children, Jack and Mercedes.
In 2015, Kilmer faced serious health issues involving his throat, which led to hospitalization and emergency surgery. Although rumors circulated that he was battling throat cancer, Kilmer initially denied those claims. He later confirmed that he had experienced a cancer-related illness, which affected his voice significantly. Despite these challenges, Kilmer has remained active in the film industry and continues to engage with fans.
With a career that spans several decades and includes roles in critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, Val Kilmer has accumulated a net worth estimated at over $25 million. He remains a significant figure in American cinema, respected for his wide-ranging performances and artistic dedication.
| Birth Date: | 31 Dec, 1959 |
| Age: | 60 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles |
| Education: | Juilliard School |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American actor |
| Twitter Id: | Valekilmer |
| Spouse: | Joanne Whalley[1988-1996] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 25 million |
