Hollywood can be a fickle place, constantly building up stars only to drop them down. But there are a few rare actors who manage to leave a lasting impression over the course of several generations. Val Kilmer is one such star.

With his breakout performances in blockbuster hits of the ’80s and ’90s, Val secured his position as an all-time favorite in Hollywood. But there’s so much more to this 62-year-old actor than meets the eye. Let’s take a closer look at the life and career of Val Kilmer.

From Aerospace to Acting

Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Val Kilmer didn’t come from a family with a background in performing arts. His father was an aerospace equipment distributor and real estate developer. However, Val showcased his natural talent for showmanship from an early age.

After attending Chatsworth High School and the Hollywood Professional School, Val became the youngest person at the time to be accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School’s Drama Division in New York. Despite facing difficulties with the school’s authoritarian system, Val honed his craft and graduated with exceptional skill and experience.

Rising Through the Ranks

Following his time at Juilliard, Val made a name for himself on the New York City theater scene with well-received performances on stage. Simultaneously, he started gaining a reputation as a ladies man, being romantically linked with Cher and Ellen Barkin.

Then came Val’s big-screen debut in the 1984 spy spoof movie “Top Secret!” and a supporting role in “Real Genius” in 1985. But it was his role as Iceman opposite Tom Cruise in “Top Gun” that catapulted him to stardom. Overnight, Val became a fixture in Hollywood and enjoyed roles in several big films throughout the ’80s.

The Desire for Serious Roles

Despite his success as an action hero, Val yearned for more challenging and serious roles. He felt typecast and became reluctant to take on blockbuster roles that didn’t align with his aspirations. This resulted in rumors of him being difficult to work with on set.

In 1995, Val took on the iconic role of Batman in “Batman Forever,” but he clashed with director Joel Schumacher and felt unsatisfied. He realized that it was the suit, not his acting, that made the movie successful. Eventually, Val’s reluctance to play Batman led to a decline in his roles, and he found himself on the wrong side of the sliding doors in Hollywood.

Battling Cancer and Making a Comeback

In 2015, Val was hospitalized for emergency surgery on his throat and later revealed that he had battled throat cancer. Despite undergoing a tracheotomy and losing his ability to speak naturally, Val displayed inspiring strength and even made jokes about his situation.

Recently, Val made a comeback by reprising his role as Iceman in “Top Gun: Maverick.” Although he couldn’t speak due to his throat cancer, an AI voice was developed for him to use in the movie. The on-screen reunion with Tom Cruise has been described as a tearful and memorable moment.

Looking Ahead

While Val had to step back from his planned role in the “Willow” reboot due to health concerns, there’s still hope for his return to the screen in the future. His remarkable career spanning five decades proves his staying power and ability to overcome challenges.

As fans, we can only hope to see Val Kilmer back on the big screen soon, continuing to captivate audiences with his undeniable talent.