41 Years Ago He Took His First Steps, Now He’s a Global Superstar. Guess Who?

This Tuesday, April 1st, we sadly learned about the passing of Val Kilmer at the age of 65. Known globally for his impressive career and diverse roles, the American actor shone in a variety of films such as Top Gun alongside Tom Cruise, Willow (where he played the famous mercenary Madmartigan), the quirky thriller Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Oliver Stone’s biopic The Doors (where he sang as Jim Morrison), and Michael Mann’s excellent Heat.

First Role at Age 24

While many remember his poignant final role in a touching scene from Top Gun Maverick, recalling his screen debut 41 years ago might be a bit tougher. So, what was the film that marked Val Kilmer’s first step into cinema? To find that out, we need to go back to the early 80s. After studying at a drama school, appearing on the TV show ABC Afterschool Special (with none other than Michelle Pfeiffer), publishing a collection of poems, and turning down a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s drama Outsiders to focus on theatre, Kilmer made his film debut in 1983, at the age of 24.

In Front of the ZAZ’s Camera

He even landed the lead role in the adventure comedy titled Top Secret!, directed by the renowned ZAZ trio (famous for Airplane!). In this wildly offbeat film, he portrayed Nick Rivers, an American rock & roll star who finds himself up against a group of neo-Nazis while trying to attend a festival.

Just two years after this initial role, Val Kilmer would score what is likely his most iconic role to the general public, playing pilot Iceman opposite Tom Cruise in the legendary Top Gun directed by Tony Scott.

What’s your favorite Val Kilmer role?

(Re)watch the trailer for “Top Gun”…