On April 2, the world learned of the passing of Val Kilmer, the star of films like Batman Forever, Alexander, and Heat. He was 65 years old. Having largely stepped away from acting in recent years, many had forgotten just how remarkable his career had been — and how turbulent his journey in Hollywood proved to be.
In the 90s, Kilmer was considered one of the most promising actors of his generation. He had the ability to be anything: a sharp comedian, a charismatic rock star, a brooding cowboy. After his role as Batman, he became a global sex symbol. However, his rapid rise was followed by a fall, and it was the directors who brought him down to earth.
What went wrong in Kilmer's career?
Kilmer quickly gained a reputation as one of the most difficult actors in Hollywood. His perfectionism bordered on obsession. He demanded that screenwriters explain every line of his character's dialogue, frequently clashed with directors, and often argued with the crew. He was known to lash out at assistants and even resort to physical confrontations.
On the set of The Island of Dr. Moreau, he created chaos. He arrived days late, didn’t know his lines, and sparked multiple scandals. Director John Frankenheimer, who eventually left the project, famously said:
"I will never do two things in my life: climb Mount Everest and work with Val Kilmer" after shooting his scenes, Frankenheimer reportedly shouted into a loudspeaker: "Get this bastard off the set."
Colleagues described Kilmer as behaving like a spoiled child, his fame going to his head. Many directors eventually refused to work with him.
Why Kilmer disappeared and took on low-budget films
Kilmer's reputation only worsened, further compounded by health issues. In 2015, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent a tracheotomy, which left a lasting impact on his voice. For years, he barely spoke.
He admitted that he took on low-budget films just for the money, to maintain his ranch in New Mexico. Essentially, he retreated into the desert, leaving behind Hollywood’s spotlight. He began appearing in B-movies, no longer chasing big roles in major films, though his talent remained intact.
Kilmer still commanded attention on screen, even as his health declined. His gaze became more somber, yet his presence remained powerful. In 2021, the documentary Val was released, in which Kilmer, with the help of his son Jack, shared his life story and his battle with illness. It marked his first return to the screen in years—fragile but as deep and genuine as ever.
