Starring in one of the biggest box-office hits of all time, “Top Gun: Maverick,” Val Kilmer is counted among the most prominent list of Hollywood actors. The actor made quite an impression when he made a name for himself in the late 1980s. And being among the most recognized faces in the entertainment industry, Val Kilmer net worth is estimated to be of million dollars, after achieving a long list of TV and film credits. Some of his best and most notable works include “Batman Forever,” “Top Gun,” “Heat,” “The Doors” and “Tombstone.”
Val Kilmer was also counted as one of the highest-paid actors across the world, in the mid-1990s for giving back-to-back big blockbusters. However, with the rumours of Val not being too easy to work with, his reputation dried up pretty soon which took away his blockbuster career. Today, we are here with an article about Val Kilmer net worth including his biography, career, and everything you need to know about him. So, let’s get started!
Val Kilmer Biography
Actor Val Kilmer, also known as Val Edward Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, to Gladys and Eugene in Los Angeles, California. When he was 8 years old, his parents got divorced and when he reached the age of 19, his brother died an unfortunate death.
He completed his high-school graduation from Chatsworth Charter High School in the San Fernando Valley. One of his fellow classmates, there was Kevin Spacey, and being inspired by him, Val followed his footsteps and got accepted into the Juilliard School. He truly made history there, as he was the youngest person ever to be accepted into a famous acting school.
Personal Life
Val Kilmer had many high-profile relationships in Hollywood, but he married only once to the actress, Joanne Whalley. The two started together in the movie, “Willow.” However, the couple got divorced in 1996. Though they share two very beautiful children, Mercedes Kilmer, 31, and Jack Kilmer, 27.
Val Kilmer Career
As the youngest person ever to get accepted into such a famous acting school as Juilliard, Val Kilmer’s acting career began swiftly. While in school, he co-authored and performed in a play, titled “How It All Began,” as a debut at the New York Shakespeare Festival. He was so charmed by the theatre world that he even turned down many prominent film roles to remain in theatres.
In 1938, he joined the off-Broadway production “Slab Boys,” owned by Kevin Bacon and Sean Penn.
Thereafter, he continued to sharpen his writing skills and published a collection of his poetry, titled “My Eden After Burns.” It still is counted among the rarest and most sought-after poetry books of all time.
At this point, Val did not make many appearances on the camera. His acting career truly flourished when he appeared in the action-comedy, “Top Secret!.” Then he appeared in more comedy films, such as “Real Genius,” where he played the lead role. Val’s fame was boosted to a whole new level when he appeared in 1986’s “Top Gun,” alongside Tom Cruise which earned more than $345 million worldwide.
After such an exceptional performance in Top Gun, Val secured more leading roles in “The Murders In Rue Morgue,” “Kill Me Again,” and “Billy the Kid.”
Val Kilmer’s Most Iconic Roles
Val Kilmer made the Hollywood break with the release of 1986’s “Top Gun” where he played the role of ‘Iceman.’ After that, he rose to greater fame in the 90s.
In fact, as the highest-paid actor of that time, Val was given a $7 million check for a spy TV series adaptation of “The Saint”, and $6 million for “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” where he starred opposite his acting idol Marlon Brando. Although both these films experienced an infamous, bitterly rocky production that got tanked with critics.
And as a result, Val Kilmer never exceeded the height of fame and success that he had during the mid-90s.
However, Val Kilmer often earned himself critical praise for films like “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang,” for playing the character of Gay Perry.
Val Kilmer Net Worth
The popular American actor, Val Kilmer net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. However, because of his poor health in recent times, his acting career experienced a lapse. During the 90s, Val was counted among the most recognized and sought-after actors in the world. As he was paid high salaries for some of his life’s extraordinary projects including “Batman Forever,” “The Saint,” and others. Val made quite a fortune for himself through several side projects, theater, and real estate.
Val Kilmer’s highest-paid roles
Through the popular film, “Batman Forever,” Val Kilmer earned $7 million. In 1997, he earned $7 million for his role in “The Saint,” and $6 million for “The Island of Dr. Moreau.”
This combined earnings of Val in 1997, $13 million made him one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. Compared to today’s time, it’s worth $20 million. And in 1999, Val Kilmer earned $9 million for “At First Sight.”
Real-Estate
Val Kilmer has made himself quite a fortune through real estate. He owns a 6,000-acre ranch in New Mexico which he desired to turn into a resort/ranch/bed and breakfast. However, he listed the property for sale for $33 million in 2009. And by 2011, he secured a deal to sell 5,300 acres to an oil billionaire couple for $18.5 million. He sold the remaining portion of his 6,000-acre property in the following years. Although, he still owns around 160 acres of that property.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Val Kilmer is also known for his charity and philanthropy work. He was an active participant in the relief of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina disaster. He made several trips to New Orleans for the sake of the devastation that people are suffering from. In 2007, he released a CD of his music whose benefits he gave to the families of police who were killed in the tragic incident of 9/11.
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