RIP Val Kilmer

“There is no normal life, there’s just life. You live it.” -Val Kilmer

“The trick to being a good actor is getting so involved in your character that the camera disappears, the 50 bored guys eating doughnuts disappear, friends disappear. To get to that point when you don’t have to think about it, you’re just acting and reacting in those circumstances.” -Val Kilmer

“That’s the joy of art – it should be dangerous and challenging but it’s just art – it’s safe.” -Val Kilmer

Sadly, Val Kilmer passed away yesterday. He was 65.

I’ve written about Val twice prior on this blog. Here and Here. Not because he was a movie star (though he was that), but about his approach to art and life. He left it all out there and was unafraid to take massive risks in service of his craft. In some cases, just to audition for a part! I deeply respected this quality.

For all the indelible performances he gave on film, quite possibly his greatest triumph, was on the stage. As Mark Twain in a one person show which was of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen. It was hilarious and heartbreaking and absolutely mesmerizing. A total passion project.

Click Here to watch a clip from it.

Thank you Val Kilmer for all the great performances and your inspiring work.

We will miss you Iceman.

P.S. – If you haven’t seen, definitely watch the documentary “Val” on Amazon Prime. It’s incredible.