Many acting careers started in the 80’s and bloomed in the 90’s. Val Kilmer is no exception to this. This list actually stems out of a Kurt Russell one I did awhile back, you’ll know why once you hit number one. Let’s take a look back on the earlier days of this actor’s career!
5.) Nick Rivers in Top Secret! (1984) – From the people who brought you Airplane comes the next great spy parody. BOOM! Superstardom!!! Next up Top Gun!
4.) Simon Templar in The Saint (1997) – I really liked this movie, it holds a special place as one of my favorite heist movies of all time. I thought that Kilmer does a nice job portraying different personalities, it also didn’t hurt that Elisabeth Shue is in this flick. Hmmm, I may have just found my next list subject. Finding a way to incorporate Adventures in Babysitting into any article is always my mission.
3.) Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) – The role that got him noticed. Maybe I’m partial to this movie as I am a huge Doors fan, but you can’t deny his portrayal as being top-notch! This Oliver Stone biopic is also one of my favorite films (Top 25) of all time.
2.) Madmartigan in Willow (1988) – Remember this George Lucas written, Ron Howard directed fantasy film? Of course you do! This was one of my favorite movies from childhood and Kilmer’s role as a valiant swashbuckling hero is badass. Hollywood Fun Fact: Kilmer was married to co-star Joanne Whalley for awhile.
1.) Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993) – The reason why I wrote this list. The defining moment in an actor’s career. I love this movie and this is the reason why! Besides the awesome western action and violence, Kilmer’s over-the-top portrayal of Doc is one of my favorite roles PERIOD of all time. “I’ll be your Huckleberry“.
Honorable Mention, yet not so honorable; so maybe I shouldn’t even mention it….
Batman/Bruce Wayne Batman Forever (1995) – Heck, we are a comic book site so it would be a crime to not mention it. The first entry in the series without Tim Burton attached and though it wasn’t as bad as the fourth, this movie does the franchise no real favors. Well, except for casting Nicole Kidman. You can’t fill Michael Keaton’s shoes. Bat-nipples…
and then there’s this guy too…
