The fragility of life, and Val Kilmer: A tribute

Life’s so fragile and there’s so little that we have control over. Val Kilmer is such a great example of that.

The first film of Mr. Kilmer I watched was a little indie film called Columbus Day. It was so powerful that I instantly became a fan. I loved him even more in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (which I think is a modern masterpiece), and then in the extremely underrated At First Sight. And then, I binged his entire body of work.

A still from Columbus Day.

Val Kilmer had such a beautiful voice! Such a pure, rustic, beautiful voice! While preparing for The Doors, he actually sang and recorded an entire album sounding just like Jim Morrison. The tape sounded so great to Ray Mazarek and Robby Kreiger that they said they “couldn’t figure who was singing”.

Val Kilmer in The Doors.

In that role, Mr. Kilmer looked so terrific. And he sang just as well as one of the most legendary vocalists of all time. And then, years later… he lost his voice.

Can you believe that?

Yeah. He got throat cancer, got a bad surgery, and lost his ability to talk. Forget about singing in that beautiful baritone, he just wouldn’t speak anymore.

Who knows what can happen? At age 55, Mr. Kilmer was dealt with this painful, debilitating condition, which he had to deal with in forced silence, before he eventually passed away ten years later.

But the man had class. In all his interviews, he always said, “I feel great!”. When asked if he was in pain considering how excruciating each word that came out of his mouth sounded, he said, “I really feel great. I feel bad that you’re having to listen to my voice which sounds like it’s coming out of a cement mixer right now. But I feel great”.

“I feel great”, said a cancer struck, forcefully muted man, who was once known for being a global star. An absolute stud with a gorgeous voice. “I feel great”, said the man before he passed away.

Life is fragile indeed. But the only article Lady Fortuna has no control over, is your attitude. Mr. Val Kilmer exemplified that.

Rest in peace, Iceman from Topgun, Chris from Heat, Doc from Tombstone.

Rest in peace, Mr. Val Kilmer. I’m sure you sound great in the sweet hereafter.

Val Kilmer in Top Gun.

P.S. You just read an honest (and hopefully valuable) article for free. If you like reading my writing, please consider making donations. Amounts don't matter, gestures do. Here's a big cheers to all my Patrons!

Read more articles here.