Working With Val (6)

Bill Paxton

Actor, Tombstone

"He's probably one of the best American actors right now - he's in his prime."

"This movie could be very big for him.  It's the best-written role in the script and he's doing a heck of a job.  He's learned how to play one of Chopin's nocturnes.  He's a bright guy.  He's got a lot going for him."

Robbie Krieger

Consultant, The Doors

original Doors guitarist

"When I first met Val, I didn't think he was right.  He didn't look the part and his voice didn't sound like Jim's at all.  But when he put on makeup and got into the part, he reminded me of Jim in everthing from his voice to his manner.  It was like having him back for a while.  Spooky."

Fairuza Balk

Actress, The Island of Dr. Moreau

"But it's weird because like right now, I've read two things where there seems to be this massive kill campaign against Val Kilmer.  And he was in Dr. Moreau and it just pissed me off because it's just so not true.  I mean, I worked with the man...he's just not, he's not an asshole.  He's been given this awful rap for nothing.  He never did the things they say he did.  I was there.  I would know, you know?" 

Michael Kahn

Teacher, Julliard

"When I first saw Val as a young actor, I thought two things.  One was that I thought he was talented and two, I thought that he would work - that he would get work.  That he had the kind of personality and the kind of looks and the kind of putting that all together that could make him very employable - and I was right."

Anna Carroll

Widow of Chief Ted Thin Elk

"Grandpa",  Thunderheart

"I will never forget the smile on Ted's face when he spoke of Mr. Kilmer.  When I read horror stories about how difficult he is to work with, I just remember the wonderful things Ted told me about him and realize the stories cannot be totally accurate."

"If you have a way to get in touch with Mr. Kilmer, I would very much appreciate your letting him know how much the late Chief Ted Thin Elk thought of him as a man and an actor."

Ted Turner

Warner Bros., Turner Enterprises

"You know, pelple have said I'm a little crazy.  But if you're the slightest bit different, you're gonna get a little of that, right?  He's got his own style. 

I kind of like that, I think he's an interesting, fun person.  I think he's a hoot."