A Eulogy for Val Kilmer: The Man Who Was (Almost) Everything

Top Gun was one of my favourite films growing up and yesterday (as I write this) one of its stars, Val Kilmer, passed away. So here, with respect and gratitude is my fictional eulogy for the late Val Kilmer. RIP.

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Dearly beloved,

Ladies and gentlemen, family, friends and admirers, we come together to celebrate the life of Val Edward Kilmer, a man whose presence on and off the screen left an indelible mark on our hearts, who died on Tuesday 1st April 2025, aged 65 years.

We sadly say goodbye to one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic, charismatic and endlessly fascinating actors.

A man who could be a swaggering gunslinger, a tormented saint, a rock god, a brooding detective, or even a caped crusader; sometimes all in the same decade.

Val didn’t just play characters; he inhabited them, often with an intensity that made us wonder if he ever fully stepped out of role when the cameras stopped rolling.

Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Kilmer’s career spanned over four decades, leaving behind a filmography as eclectic as it was unforgettable.

He was not just an actor; he was a chameleon, a poet and a seeker of truth. His journey through life was as varied and colourful as the roles he portrayed.

He was also a true artist, sometimes misunderstood, always compelling and though his voice may have been silenced, his performances will echo forever.

The Poet, The Maverick, The Iceman

Val's early years hinted at the brilliance that was to come.

From a young age, he exhibited a passion for the arts, leading him to become the youngest student accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School's drama program at that time.

It was here that Val honed his craft, setting the stage for a career that would captivate audiences worldwide.

After the directors saw him in a play called Slab Boys with Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon, Val's breakout role came in the 1984 comedy "Top Secret!" where he played the rock 'n' roll singer Nick Rivers.

His comedic timing and musical talents shone brightly, proving that he was a force to be reckoned with.

He didn't just act the part; he embodied it, performing all the songs himself on the soundtrack under his character's name. This early glimpse into his dedication and versatility was merely the opening act of an illustrious career.

If there was one role that defined Val Kilmer’s early career and, let’s be honest, became the obsession of every ’80s and ’90s kid who ever held a hairbrush microphone, it was Jim Morrison in The Doors released in 1991..

Kilmer didn’t just play Morrison; he channeled him. He sang every song himself, embodied the Lizard King’s Dionysian swagger and made us believe, if only for two hours, that rock ‘n’ roll could still be dangerous.

Oliver Stone’s film was divisive, but no one could deny Kilmer’s electrifying performance.

Even Morrison’s own bandmates reportedly mistook him for Jim during filming. That’s not acting... that’s possession.

Then came Tombstone (1993), where Kilmer delivered what may be his most quotable performance; Doc Holliday, the tubercular, whiskey-swilling, knife-wielding Southern gentleman with a heart full of fury and a mouth full of wit. “I’m your huckleberry” wasn’t just a line, it was a declaration.

Kilmer’s Doc was equal parts tragic and magnetic, stealing every scene from Kurt Russell’s Wyatt Earp (no small feat) and cementing himself as one of the great Western antiheroes.

And who could forget Top Gun (1986), where Kilmer’s Iceman was the perfect foil to Tom Cruise’s Maverick?

Val took to the skies as Lieutenant Tom "Iceman" Kazansky. With his cool demeanor and sharp wit, he became the quintessential rival-turned-ally, leaving an impression that would last decades.

His chemistry with co-star Tom Cruise added depth to the film, making it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Val's continued commitment to authenticity in his roles was evident, as he immersed himself in the world of naval aviation to bring Iceman to life.

With his steely glare and relentless competitive streak, Iceman was the guy you loved to hate, until you realised he was kind of right all along.

Kilmer brought a quiet arrogance to the role that made him unforgettable, even in a film filled with dogfights and shirtless volleyball.

Despite his ill-health, Val still reprised the role in the sequel Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. He was still just as cool.

The Caped Crusader and Beyond

Venturing into the realm of fantasy, Val portrayed the roguish swordsman Madmartigan in 1988's "Willow."

His charismatic performance brought charm and humour to the character, showcasing his ability to navigate diverse genres with ease. Val's portrayal made Madmartigan a beloved character and his on-screen chemistry with co-star Joanne Whalley translated into a real-life romance, leading to their marriage and the birth of their two children, Mercedes and Jack.

In 1995, Kilmer took on the mantle of Batman in Batman Forever, stepping into the Batsuit after Michael Keaton’s departure.

His Bruce Wayne was haunted, his Batman brooding, but the film itself was a neon-soaked, Joel Schumacher spectacle that didn’t always know what to do with Kilmer’s subtler instincts.

His portrayal brought an intensity to Bruce Wayne, capturing the duality of a man torn between his past and his mission. Val's Batman was both human and heroic, adding a unique chapter to the legacy of the character.

He approached the role with a seriousness and depth that resonated with fans and critics alike bringing dignity to the role, even when surrounded by Jim Carrey’s Riddler and Tommy Lee Jones’s scenery-chewing Two-Face and let’s be honest, his Bruce Wayne hair was immaculate!

Not one to be pigeonholed, Val showcased his versatility in films like "The Saint" in 1997, where he played master thief and master of disguise Simon Templar. He was the sardonic detective in 2005's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and played a self-aware parody of himself in MacGruber. He was even uncredited voice of K.I.T.T. in the rebooted Knight Rider TV series in 2008.

His ability to slip into various personas within a single film highlighted his range and adaptability as an actor. Val's portrayal of these characters were both suave and introspective, adding layers to characters rooted in pulp fiction. His range was staggering.

In 2002's The Salton Sea, he played a man caught between grief and vengeance in a performance that should have earned him more acclaim.

1995 saw him hold his own in Heat, an even more impressive when you remember he was up against Pacino and De Niro as Chris Shiherlis, a master thief with a heart.

And then there was the underrated Real Genius in 1985, the cult classic where Kilmer proved he could be effortlessly hilarious as Chris Knight, the genius slacker who weaponised a laser and a bag of popcorn.

It was a role that showcased his wit and charm, qualities that made him so much more than just a “serious actor.”

His portrayal was both humorous and heartfelt, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and intellectual curiosity. Val had an uncanny ability to make us laugh while also making us think, a rare gift that endeared him to many.

Throughout his career, Val was known for his dedication to his roles, often immersing himself fully to bring authenticity to his performances.

This commitment was evident in every character he portrayed, making each one memorable in its own right. Whether he was playing a rock star, a gunslinger or a superhero, Val brought a unique blend of intensity and nuance to all his roles.

A Man of Depth and Resilience

Behind the scenes, Kilmer was known for his intensity, his dedication and sometimes his clashes with directors and co-stars.

He was a man who took his craft seriously, sometimes too seriously for Hollywood’s liking. But that passion was part of what made him extraordinary.

Beyond the silver screen, Val was a man of many passions.

He was a poet, publishing a collection titled "My Edens After Burns" in 1983. His love for the written word was profound, and he often found solace in expressing himself through poetry.

Val's artistic pursuits extended beyond acting, reflecting his deep appreciation for all forms of art and expression.

In his later years, health struggles took their toll. His voice, once so rich and commanding, was diminished by throat cancer.

Yet, even then, he found ways to create. His memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, was a raw, poetic reflection on his life and career.

In 2015, Val faced a formidable adversary off-screen; throat cancer. His battle was arduous, leading to treatments that affected his voice and health. Yet, in true Kilmer fashion, he faced it with resilience and grace, sharing his journey with the world.

The documentary Val (2021) offered an intimate, unflinching look at his journey, his triumphs, his regrets and his unyielding love for acting.

His openness about his struggles offered inspiration to many, showcasing his strength and vulnerability. Val's courage in the face of adversity was a testament to his character and his unwavering spirit.

Through it all, Kilmer remained an artist. Even when he could no longer speak as he once did, he communicated through his eyes, his presence, his sheer will.

The Final Curtain

Val's final curtain call came on 1st April 2025, at the age of 65, due to complications from pneumonia.

While his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit, his performances and his impact remain immortal.

He leaves behind a legacy of films that will continue to entertain and inspire generations to come.

As we remember Val, let us not dwell solely on the roles he played but on the man he was; a devoted father, a passionate artist and a seeker of truth.

His journey was one of exploration, both of the world and of the human condition. Val once said

"I don't believe in death. I believe in energy. It just changes form."

Today, as we celebrate his life, we can find comfort in knowing that his energy, his essence, continues to resonate within us all.

In the words of Jim Morrison, whom Val portrayed so hauntingly:

"There are things known and things unknown, and in between are The Doors."

Val Kilmer walked through many doors in his lifetime, exploring the vast corridors of art, life and spirituality.

As we all bid him farewell, we honour the paths he tread and the doors he opened for all of us.

The Legacy of a Shapeshifter

Val Kilmer was never the easiest star to define. He wasn’t just an action hero, a dramatic lead or a comedic talent, he was all of them, often at once.

He could be intense, playful, mysterious and vulnerable, sometimes in the same performance.

He was Jim Morrison’s ghost. He was Doc Holliday’s last laugh. He was Iceman’s cool smirk. He was Batman’s shadow. He was Chris Knight’s mischievous grin, but most of all, he was Val; a man who gave us unforgettable moments on screen and left us wishing there were more.

So here’s to you, Val. Wherever you are, I have a feeling you’ve already charmed the room, quoted a little Shakespeare and maybe even challenged the angels to a quick draw.

After all… you’re their huckleberry.

Rest in peace, Val Kilmer (1959–2025).

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I hope you enjoyed this eulogy for Val Kilmer and remember him as warmly as I did. My thoughts are with his family and friends.