What Happened to Val Kilmer in Heat? Know about His Character in the Movie
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 11, 2023
Who is Val Kilmer?
Val Kilmer is an American actor known for his versatile performances in a wide range of film genres. Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Kilmer has established himself as a respected actor in both mainstream Hollywood films and independent cinema.
Kilmer's acting career began in the 1980s with notable roles in films such as "Top Secret!" (1984) and "Real Genius" (1985), where he showcased his comedic talents. However, it was his portrayal of iconic musician Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's "The Doors" (1991) that earned him critical acclaim and elevated him to a higher level of recognition. Kilmer's transformation into Morrison was praised for capturing the spirit and essence of the legendary rock star.
One of Kilmer's most famous roles came in 1995 when he starred alongside Robert De Niro in Michael Mann's crime drama "Heat." In the film, Kilmer portrayed the skilled thief Chris Shiherlis, a member of a criminal crew led by De Niro's character. Kilmer's performance as Chris was characterized by his cool demeanor, professionalism, and loyalty to his teammates. His ability to bring depth and complexity to the role added to the film's overall impact.
Val Kilmer's filmography also includes memorable performances in movies such as "Tombstone" (1993), where he played the legendary gunslinger Doc Holliday, and "The Saint" (1997), where he portrayed multiple characters with distinct personalities. He has demonstrated his versatility in various genres, taking on roles in action films like "Top Gun" (1986), fantasy adventures like "Willow" (1988), and dramatic films such as "The Salton Sea" (2002).
Throughout his career, Kilmer has proven his talent and dedication as an actor, immersing himself in the characters he portrays. His ability to tackle diverse roles and deliver compelling performances has garnered him respect within the industry. In recent years, Kilmer has faced health challenges, including a battle with throat cancer, which affected his voice. Despite these difficulties, he continues to pursue acting and has remained active in film and television projects.
Val Kilmer's contributions to the world of cinema, his ability to portray complex characters, and his dedication to his craft have solidified his status as a respected actor. His body of work showcases his range and talent, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
What Happened to Val Kilmer in Heat?
In the movie "Heat," Val Kilmer portrays the character of Chris Shiherlis. Throughout the film, Chris is shown as a loyal and competent member of the team. Towards the climax of the movie, the crew plans and executes a high-stakes bank heist. However, during the robbery, their plan faces unexpected complications and intense gunfire erupts between the crew and the police. In the chaos, Chris gets hit by a bullet and is wounded.
Despite being injured, Chris manages to escape the scene along with his fellow crew members. They regroup in a pre-determined location, where Chris realizes the severity of his wounds. Understanding that he requires immediate medical attention, Chris contacts his estranged wife, Charlene (played by Ashley Judd), for help.
Charlene, concerned for Chris's safety and wanting to assist him, takes action to secure medical treatment. She arranges for Chris to receive the necessary care, understanding the urgency of his situation. Consequently, Chris undergoes surgery to remove the bullet and is able to survive the ordeal.
In the concluding scenes of the movie, Chris is seen in the process of recovering from his injuries. It is implied that he reunites with Charlene, suggesting a potential reconciliation between the two. Furthermore, there are indications that Chris is considering leaving his life of crime behind and focusing on building a new, more legitimate future for himself.
While Chris is wounded during the intense bank heist, he manages to escape and receives medical treatment, ultimately surviving the ordeal. The movie ends on a note of hope and the possibility of a fresh start for Chris, emphasizing his resilience and potential for personal transformation.
Val Kilmer Role in Heat
In the movie "Heat," Val Kilmer portrays the character of Chris Shiherlis, a skilled thief and member of Neil McCauley's crew. Chris is depicted as a loyal and dedicated professional with a strong sense of camaraderie towards his teammates. Chris is introduced as a highly proficient criminal who possesses a particular talent for cracking safes and handling weapons. He is an essential asset to the crew and plays a crucial role in their meticulously planned heists. Val Kilmer's portrayal of Chris exudes a cool and composed demeanor, showcasing his expertise and experience in criminal activities.
Throughout the film, Chris maintains a strong bond with the other crew members, including Neil McCauley, played by Robert De Niro. They share a mutual respect and understanding, functioning effectively as a tight-knit unit. Chris's loyalty to his fellow criminals is highlighted in his willingness to put himself at risk for their benefit.
In addition to his professional skills, Chris is depicted as a complex character with a troubled personal life. He is estranged from his wife, Charlene, portrayed by Ashley Judd. The strain in their relationship is explored, with Chris yearning for reconciliation and a chance to rebuild their family.
Val Kilmer brings depth and nuance to Chris's character, portraying a man torn between his criminal lifestyle and the desire for a more stable and fulfilling life. His performance effectively conveys the internal conflicts Chris experiences, adding layers of emotional complexity to the character.
In the climactic sequence of the movie, Chris is wounded during a bank heist gone wrong. Despite his injury, he manages to escape alongside his fellow crew members. Val Kilmer captures Chris's resilience and determination as he pushes through the pain and maintains his focus on survival.
Val Kilmer's portrayal of Chris in "Heat" is praised for its intensity and authenticity. He effectively captures the character's mix of professionalism, loyalty, and personal struggles, contributing to the overall depth and realism of the film. Kilmer's performance adds an additional layer of complexity to the ensemble cast, making Chris Shiherlis a memorable and compelling character in the story.
Val Kilmer Early Life
Val Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He is the second of three sons born to Gladys Swanette (née Ekstadt) and Eugene Dorris Kilmer. His mother had Swedish ancestry, while his heritage also includes English, Irish, Scottish, German, and Cherokee roots. Kilmer's parents divorced when he was eight years old, and his mother later remarried William Bernard Leach.
During his school years at Chatsworth High School, Kilmer attended classes with future actor Kevin Spacey. He also had a high school romance with actress Mare Winningham. Kilmer's talent and passion for acting led him to become the youngest person at that time to be accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School's Drama Division, where he joined Group 10.
In 1983, Kilmer had the opportunity to join the cast of Francis Ford Coppola's film "The Outsiders," but he declined the role due to prior commitments in the theater. He made his off-Broadway debut in the same year, appearing in "The Slab Boys" alongside Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn, and Jackie Earle Haley. Additionally, Kilmer had his first on-screen acting role in the ABC Afterschool Special titled "One Too Many," which dealt with the issue of drinking and driving. This episode also featured a young Michelle Pfeiffer. In that period, Kilmer self-published a collection of his poetry titled "My Edens After Burns," inspired by his time spent with Pfeiffer.
Kilmer's breakthrough came when he was cast as the lead in the comedy spoof "Top Secret!" (1984), where he portrayed an American rock and roll star named Nick Rivers. He not only acted in the film but also sang all the songs and even released an album under the character's name. This role propelled him to further success and recognition in the industry.
Throughout his career, Kilmer gained a reputation as a ladies' man and was romantically linked to several women. His dedication to his craft and his ability to take on diverse roles have solidified his status as a respected actor in Hollywood.
In recent years, Kilmer has faced health challenges, including a battle with throat cancer that affected his voice. Despite these obstacles, he remains active in the entertainment industry and continues to showcase his talent on screen.
Val Kilmer's journey as an actor, from his early days at Juilliard to his memorable roles in films, has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. His performances have showcased his versatility and dedication, cementing his place as a talented and respected actor.
Val Kilmer Dating Life
Val Kilmer has had a star-studded dating history, being romantically linked to several high-profile celebrities over the course of his decades-long career. In his 2020 memoir, "I'm Your Huckleberry," Kilmer expressed his fascination with women and his belief that they are more interesting than men.
While Kilmer has been in several public relationships, he has been married only once. He tied the knot with actress Joanne Whalley in 1988. They had two children together, daughter Mercedes and son Jack, before their divorce was finalized in 1996. During the 1990s, Kilmer was linked to supermodel Cindy Crawford, and he referred to his split from actress Daryl Hannah, whom he dated in the early 2000s, as his most painful heartbreak. Kilmer openly expressed his enduring love for Hannah, stating that he still had strong feelings for her.
In his memoir, Kilmer revealed that he had not had a girlfriend in 20 years and admitted to feeling lonely at times. However, he has maintained friendships with some of his former partners, including Cher. Kilmer described Cher as someone who leaves a lasting impact on the lives of her true friends, expressing his admiration for her steadfast love and loyalty.
Cher, in turn, spoke fondly of Kilmer, describing him as exasperating, hysterical, and unique. Despite their breakup, they remained friends, with a strong bond that endured over the years. Val Kilmer's life took a difficult turn in 2015 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He underwent a tracheostomy and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In his 2021 documentary, "Val," he shared the challenges he faced due to his health condition, including the need to communicate through a hole in his throat. Despite these obstacles, Kilmer continued his acting career and reprised his role as Iceman in "Top Gun: Maverick," released in May 2022.
What Happened to Val Kilmer in Heat - FAQs
Val Kilmer's full name is Val Edward Kilmer.
Val Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959.
Val Kilmer has appeared in several notable films, including "Top Gun," "Batman Forever," "The Doors," "Tombstone," and "Heat."
Yes, Val Kilmer has received recognition for his performances. He won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his role in "The Doors."
Yes, Val Kilmer has faced health challenges, including a battle with throat cancer. He underwent treatments, including a tracheostomy, and has been open about his experiences with his health condition.