Ten fun facts about Val Kilmer

1. Val Kilmer and Kevin Spacey: Friends since high school

Val Kilmer and Kevin Spacey have been friends since their days at Chatsworth High School, where they both graduated in the same class. Val Kilmer was a star athlete at the school, playing football, basketball, and baseball, while Kevin Spacey was involved in the drama club. After graduation, the two went on to pursue their respective acting careers, with Val Kilmer appearing in films such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, and Kevin Spacey appearing in films such as The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, and House of Cards.

Also → Christian Bale: The Dark Knight

2. One of the Top Movie Stars of All Time

Val Kilmer has been recognized as one of the top movie stars of all time, ranking in at number sixty-two on Empire Magazine's 1997 list of the "Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time". His impressive career has spanned over three decades, with iconic roles in films such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors. Kilmer's talent and charisma have earned him a place among the greats, and his legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

Also → Leonardo DiCaprio Misses Out On 'Batman Forever' Role

3. Youngest Julliard Acceptee

At just 17 years old, Val Kilmer achieved a remarkable feat when he was accepted into the Drama Division at the prestigious Julliard School - the youngest person ever to be accepted into the program. His acceptance into the program was a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft of acting, and it set the stage for a successful career in the entertainment industry.

Also → Michael Keaton: Batman's Fourth Actor and Tim Burton's First Choice

4. Difficult Actor, but Highly Respected

Val Kilmer is a notoriously difficult actor to work with. Many directors and actors have reported that they were reluctant to collaborate with him again after just one experience due to his exacting approach to his craft and his attitude on set. His attention to detail and perfectionism have earned him a reputation as a demanding actor, but his commitment to his work has also made him one of the most respected actors in the industry.

Also → William Baldwin: From Batman to Law & Order

5. Val Kilmer becomes the fifth actor to portray Batman

Val Kilmer made history when he became the fifth actor to portray the iconic comic book character of Batman in Hollywood. He followed in the footsteps of Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery, Adam West, and Michael Keaton, who had all previously taken on the role. Kilmer's portrayal of the Dark Knight was featured in the 1995 film Batman Forever, directed by Joel Schumacher.

Also → Kevin Kline, the acclaimed actor, famously declined the role of Batman

6. Val Kilmer's "The Doors" Praised

Val Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison in the 1991 film "The Doors" was highly praised by critics for its realism and accuracy. To prepare for the role, Kilmer attended all of the concerts and other functions associated with the Doors, and even did all of his own singing in the film. His singing was so convincing that it was often compared to that of Van Morrison, the lead singer of the Doors.

Also → Kevin Spacey: An Acclaimed Actor with a Career in Motion

7. Actor who turned down cult film role

In 1983, Val Kilmer was offered a role in the cult-film "The Outsiders", but he declined the opportunity due to his commitment to a play he was performing in at the time. Despite the potential for a successful career in film, Kilmer chose to honor his fellow actors and remain loyal to the play.

Also → Matthew Modine: A Career in Film

8. From "True Romance" to "The Saint"

Val Kilmer made a memorable appearance in the 1993 film "True Romance", playing the iconic role of Elvis Presley. He managed to complete all of his scenes in a single day, a feat that is even more impressive considering the complexity of the character. His performance was praised by critics and fans alike, and it remains one of his most iconic roles to date.

Also → John Wayne: 16th Top Movie Star of All Time

9. Val Kilmer's Backpacking Journey Across Europe

Val Kilmer's career in the film industry began with a bang when he starred in the 1984 comedy classic "Top Secret!". However, the experience left him feeling so jaded that he decided to take a break from acting and embarked on a backpacking journey across Europe. During his travels, he visited countries such as France, Italy, and Germany, exploring the culture and immersing himself in the local way of life.

Also → Carrie-Anne Moss: Two Major Films in 2000

10. Val Kilmer turned down "Dirty Dancing" role

Val Kilmer was offered the lead role in the iconic movie "Dirty Dancing" but he declined it, not wanting to be typecast as a "hunk" in Hollywood. Kilmer was already an established actor at the time, having starred in films such as "Top Gun" and "Real Genius", and he was determined to avoid being pigeonholed into a certain type of role. Ultimately, the role went to Patrick Swayze, who went on to become a household name.

Also → Robin Wright: Rejected from Batman Forever