Born in Los Angeles, California, VAL KILMER (Robert Scott) studied at Hollywood’s Professional’s School and was youngest student ever admitted to the drama department at Julliard. At Julliard, he co-wrote the play How It All Began, based on the true story of a West German radical. The play was staged by Joseph Papp for the Public Theatre and directed by Des McAnuff.
He made his Broadway debut in the 1983 production of Slab Boys, with Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon. Kilmer also appeared in Papp’s Delacorte Theatre production of Henry IV: Part I; As You Like It, with Patti Lupone; the title role of Hamlet; and It’s a Pity She’s A Whore, also at the Joseph Papp Public Theatre.
Kilmer made his feature film debut in the comedy spoof Top Secret, where he starred as rock idol Nick Rivers and did his own singing in the movie, going so far as to cut an album as Rivers. Soon after, Kilmer impressed audiences worldwide with his memorable portrayal of the fighter pilot Iceman in Tony Scott’s box-office smash Top Gun. Kilmer next took the lead as Madmartigan in Ron Howard’s fantasy Willow. But it was his role as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors that impressed audiences most with his impeccably haunting portrayal of the legendary poet/singer. For a second time, Kilmer performed singing duties in all the concert pieces.
In rapid succession, Kilmer took projects with some of the industry’s most respected filmmakers starring in Michael Apted’s Thunderheart; a re-teaming with Tony Scott for True Romance; the role of Doc Holliday in Tombstone; a turn as Batman in Batman Forever, directed by Joel Schumacher; Michael Mann’s Heat, John Frankenheimer’s The Island of Dr. Moreau and Phillip Noyce’s The Saint.
More recently, Kilmer has brought to life the artist Willem Dekooning in the independent film Pollack, directed by and starring Ed Harris. His additional film credits include At First Sight and Salton Sea. Kilmer was most recently seen in Wonderland, which takes a look at John Holmes’ involvement in a notorious murder case that took place on Los Angeles’ Wonderland Avenue in the 1980’s. Kilmer became so immersed in the making of the film that he began a photography project which has blossomed into a behind-the-scenes pictorial which will be published by Pocket Books timed for the film’s release. He was also recently seen in Ron Howard’s The Missing.
Also recently completed is Renny Harlin’s Mindhunters and Blind Horizon with Sam Shepard and Neve Campbell. Kilmer is currently in production on Oliver Stone’s epic, Alexander and the animated feature Delgo.
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