Val Kilmer, the enigmatic actor who captured hearts with his captivating performances in films like The Doors and Alexander, has passed away at 65. Director Oliver Stone remembered Kilmer as “brilliant” and “iconoclastic,” praising his ability to bring complex characters to life.
Kilmer’s performance as Jim Morrison in The Doors is considered one of his most transformative roles, with Stone stating that he was “robbed” of an Oscar nomination for it. In his memoir, Kilmer reflected on the experience, saying it was a chance to explore Morrison’s “glory and demise.”
Stone described Kilmer’s approach to acting as “turbulent, contradictory,” but ultimately resulted in “exciting” performances that left audiences captivated. Other actors who worked with Kilmer shared similar sentiments, including Frank Whaley, John Densmore, and Kyle MacLachlan.
In a humorous anecdote, actress Jennifer Tilly recalled encountering Kilmer during auditions for The Doors, where he arrived in a Sixties convertible blasting Doors music, complete with wild hair and leather pants. “Nobody else stood a chance” after that memorable entrance, according to Tilly.
As the film industry mourns the loss of this Hollywood legend, Stone concluded that Kilmer will be missed, saying “The movies will miss him.” Kilmer’s enduring legacy as an actor who pushed boundaries and defied expectations has cemented his place in cinematic history.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/oliver-stone-val-kilmer-the-doors-alexander-tribute-1235311180