Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Val Kilmer’s Unexpected Passion: A Reality TV Enthusiast
The late actor Val Kilmer, celebrated for his iconic film roles, harbored a surprising appreciation for reality television, particularly the acclaimed competition series The Amazing Race. According to actor and comedian Will Forte, Kilmer’s former roommate, the celebrated performer became a devoted viewer of the show, even expressing a strong desire to participate.
Discovery of ‘The Amazing Race’
Forte recounted to Vulture the amusing anecdote of Kilmer’s introduction to the program following the actor’s passing on Tuesday, April 1. Initially dismissive, Kilmer’s perspective shifted after watching it with Forte.
“I was watching The Amazing Race, and he walked in and questioned, ‘What are you watching that rubbish for? That stuff will corrupt your mind,’” Forte remembered.
Forte persuaded Kilmer to give the show a chance. “I responded, ‘It’s actually quite engaging. Just watch it before you criticize it,’” Forte stated. “He watched, became engrossed, and then declared, ‘Will, we must compete on The Amazing Race. We have to. Let’s do it.’”
A Dream Deferred
Forte enthusiastically embraced the proposition. “I was completely on board,” he explained. “We grew truly enthusiastic about the prospect. We contacted our agents and managers, who promptly dismissed the idea.”
The actor expressed enduring disappointment that their participation never materialized. “To this day, it remains perhaps my greatest career regret – not experiencing The Amazing Race with Val. While we might have been eliminated swiftly, the experience itself would have been unforgettable.”
Family’s Statement on Kilmer’s Passing
Kilmer’s family released a statement two days following his death. Speaking to People on Thursday, April 3, they conveyed, “Thank you for honoring our remarkable father’s memory. We are deeply proud of him and grateful for the celebration of his legacy. We respectfully request privacy as we grieve during this time.”
Remembering Val Kilmer
The actor passed away from pneumonia on Tuesday at the age of 65. He had previously received a diagnosis of throat cancer in 2014.
At CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Thursday, Tom Cruise, Kilmer’s co-star in the iconic 1986 film Top Gun, requested a moment of silence to honor the late actor.
“I want to take a moment to honor a cherished friend, Val Kilmer. I deeply admired his work,” Cruise expressed. “Let us all remember the wonderful moments we shared with him – let’s pause for a moment.” He concluded, “I wish you well on your onward journey.”