Val Kilmer Doesn't Let Fans Down
Story and Photos Shelli Carlisle
If you couldn’t make it to Chicago last weekend, you missed out on a very special event. Val Kilmer was in town at the Hollywood Celebrities Show, meeting fans, signing autographs and even posing for pictures. Beside Kilmerl, there were several other celebrities that attended the show but Kilmer drew the largest crowds. Kilmer was scheduled to attend on Saturday and Sunday but unfortunately the airlines messed up his reservations and he couldn’t get a flight in for the Saturday show. Everyone was disappointed including Kilmer but he called the promoters regularly who in turn shared with all who awaited his arrival, the updates on his flight.
On Sunday morning Kilmer arrived promptly at ten o’clock to greet the long line of anxious fans who had already gathered to see him. His long hair framing his face, tall and lean he said hello to all with a boyish smile and picked up his pen.
For hours Kilmer personally autographed hundreds of items, extended warm handshakes, smiles and kind words with all who patiently waited in line to meet him. Toward the end of the show Mickey Rooney, Larry Hagman, Tia Carrere and other stars left their stations to meet Kilmer and take pictures with him. With mutual respect, it was clear that Kilmer was honored to meet them too.
Kilmer, Rooney and Hagman
After a very long day, it was time to leave. Elated fans gathered in the hallways, carefully clutching their signed treasures, laughing, smiling and exchanging stories about their special day. Kilmer once again, took time to connect with his fans, sharing his appreciation for each and every one.
*Kilmer Thrills Fans
Over the past few years, the HCS has earned the collecting community’s respect and patronage by bringing in some notable names from Hollywood’s past including Charlton Heston, Debbie Reynolds, Don Knotts and Carrie Fisher. But organizers broke new ground and stunned autograph collectors everywhere when they announced that Val Kilmer was among the scheduled guest signers.
Val seemed genuinely thrilled to meet his fans and was all smiles throughout the entire weekend. What made his appearance at the show so astounding was that not only is he an "A-List" star, but also on e of the rarest and most desirable autographs in Hollywood.
Kilmer's friendly, down-to-earth attitude made the dream-like encounter a sweet reality. Best of all, not only did the fans go home happy, but Kilmer said he thoroughly enjoyed the show as well and would be happy to return again in the future. Bravo Val, Bravo!
*Excerpt: Autograph Collector magazine, January 2004