Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer was born in Los Angeles, California, to Gladys Swanette (Ekstadt) and Eugene Dorris Kilmer, a real estate developer and aerospace equipment distributor. His mother, born in Indiana, was from a Swedish family, and his father was from Texas. Val attended Hollywood's Professional's School and, as a teenager, enrolled in Juilliard's drama program. His professional acting career began on stage, and he continues to participate in theater, including a performance as Hamlet at the 1988 Colorado Shakespeare Festival. His film debut was in the 1984 spoof *Top Secret!*, where he played the role of blond rock idol Nick Rivers. He appeared in several films throughout the 1980s, including the 1986 hit *Top Gun*. Although he demonstrated clear talent and versatility, it was his remarkably convincing portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's *The Doors* (1991) that brought him widespread recognition. Kilmer used his strong baritone voice to perform all the concert pieces in the film. Since then, he has portrayed two more American icons: Elvis Presley in *True Romance* (1993) and Doc Holliday in *Tombstone* (1993). In July 1994, it was announced that Kilmer would take over the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne from Michael Keaton.