Val Kilmer : To those insulting Val's looks

Guy is one heck of an actor and quite frankly I think most of us would love to look that good at his age. It isn't easy. Kinda wondering how you all look? It's one thing to critique someones work and talent, another to get on here to just put someone down. I enjoy his talentenough said.

Yeah Val still looks good though he could lose a little weight. I wonder how many 50 year old guys out there still even have their hair?

"No! Thats not true at all. Elvis takes fifty percent of everything I earn." Col. Parker

Exactly! You have to remember as well that MOST of these performers are completely enhanced. Especially the women who are phony as heck and when you see them up close you want to scream and run, or they look great but completely plastic. Look up "caught without makeup" and you will see a little of what I'm telling you. Quite a few of the men in the business do it as well just not quite as noticeable as the women if you get my drift?

I admire that Val chooses to be himself and not be a phony going to get work done everytime he gains a few pounds or finds a wrinkle. I suspect that there might be a health issue that is factoring in his weight as well which means people should be praying for the guy not insulting him and only get up from their computers to waddle into the kitchen for a soda and ding dongs.

Good to see the supportive comment kapnkirk.

Being in your 50's is no excuse for being overweight. And when you have an actor who was a sex symbol type, when you see him that much heavier, you're going to think "wow he looks like crap". The same thing would be said of Tom Cruise if he gained that much weight. Kilmer had a great physique and he let it go to hell and that's a shame.

I'm 50 BTW if anyone wants to say "let's see how you look at 50". 32" waist and it takes work, I put on weight easily. People get fat in middle age because they get lazy and over indulgent. They're not just overweight, they're sickly.

okay i think what people seem to keep forgetting when they get so defensive about people's comments on how bad he looks now, they are forgetting that he used to be a hearthrob one of the reasons being because of his fitness.

Since he used to be considered so good looking because he was in such good shape, people are less forgiving that he does not carry extra weight all that well (it shows on his face). Add to th5b4e fact that his somewhat slovenly looking style does not wear well on a fat old man either. Long hair just makes older men look like grimey bikers.

So basically a normal person wouldnt get as much flak but they dont deserve it. Val built his career on how he looked and now that he let his looks go, his popularity is gone with it. He is far from a bad actor, but he never tried all that hard to make a name for his acting skill rather than cashing in on his persona/looks.

I think he made the right choice for his career, but he shouldnt have let himself go so badly, it counters the picture of him that people have in their minds, and makes them want to turn away after the initial "shock" viewings lol.

Actually people put weight on as they get older because their testosterone and human growth hormone decline and their estrogen increases; which puts the body into a higher fat storage state.

What an insult Tanaro Fubine. Just because you can work out and lose weight does not mean anyone else can. I worked out everyday, swimming an Olympic sized pool for one and a half hours daily and rode my bike instead of driving anywhere and could not shed a pound. Why? Because I had cancer and had to have my thyroid removed. Don't go judging people when you know nothing about their medical history. It is people like you that make people feel ashamed even though they work out and try to keep to keep their weight down. What NERVE you have to insult overweight people.

He's always had small, slitty eyes. I think that when he was slim they made him look kind of wicked, but now that he's gotten heavy his little eyes make the rest of his face look even bigger.

If one could get fat eyes it might have all balanced out.

Oh, and I'm sure racroen that you are the essence of perfection without flaw. What does this have to do with his talent as an actor or who the man is? We are a messed up and shallow Country! He's not only a great performer, but from what I've seen a heck of a good man who does not set himself above others because of his fame. Very loving father as well. Let's worry about what matters. I am not privy to this information, but by the looks of him lately I DO suspect the possibility of a health problem making him have difficulties. Look at his face! Yes, he's gained weight, but that is SWELLING going on. I've seen that kind of problem in persons with diabetes, which would also explain weight gain. This is just a hunch.

PebblesReturns: "What does this have to do with his talent as an actor or who the man is?"

Nothing. I just thought the idea of fat eyes was funny.

I agree. Val has been slowly swelling up for years. You could see the early signs of Cushing's syndrome in his abdomen in certain Top Gun scenes and it continues to progress. He is beginning to have more "moon face" characteristics and has to really be careful to maintain normal cortisol levels. Instead of criticizing him, we should all be praying for him! I know I do.

I thought this was the case, but wasn't sure. I suspected he might be affiliated with the Cushing's Syndrome when I saw an interview of his a few months ago on Entertainment Tonight and he was wearing a yellow/blue lapel pin.

It's discouraging that he isnt more vocal about his illness, but I suppose that it's a delicate balancing act with to live with such a horrible disease and be such a public figure.

Whatever you say, Val.

Has anyone seen him in BAD LIEUTENANT, STREETS OF BLOOD or DOUBLE IDENTITY? These movies came out in 2010 and I thought that he looked very good in them. Trim and fit. That means that in about one year he gained a lot of weight.

I was watching an interv2000iew he gave recently and he said he gained weight for a part. But to put him down is just wrong. He's a human being just like the rest of us. He's putting on age, just like the rest of us. I'd like to see how some of you look when you get into your 50s.

Putting him down does not raise you up. And I am so glad he has not gone the way of the surgeon's knife and I hope he never goes that way.

I am a fan and have been one for a long time and plan on continuing to be one for some time.

In all seriousness (my first post to this thread was just intended to be funny whether it succeeded or not), I might deplore people saying truly cruel things about another human being myself, although I find it inevitable. Here's why:

1) Like it or not, at least half of being an actor maybe more is the look of your "instrument," your body. Kathy Bates and Linda Hunt are enormously talented too, but they aren't going to be getting any roles that, say, Charlize Theron might fill.

Just to add to the unfairness of things, being gorgeous, Theron can go either way with it. Monster proved that. You can easily make a gorgeous person look worn out, but it's much harder to take a worn-out looking person and make them gorgeous.

2) Having been a guy who could pull off playing Jim Morrison, lesser mortals are inevitably going to be jealous. Kilmer is rich, he was handsome (he still looks better than the average schmuck on the street) and he had a youth that nobody writing on this thread can even imagine. People being what they are, that losers would shred Kilmer when he's lookin' kind of rough is a given. Even now, overweight, over the hill and possibly with a medical problem, his life is better than the best theirs will ever be and on some level, they know it.

3) If the first two conditions didn't apply, Hollywood-as-we-know-it would not exist. The word "star" would just mean one of those pinpoints of light in the sky; actors would be actors, and that's it. We worship appearances, we have a love/hate relationship with what we perceive to be "royalty" (and everything about our entertainment industry encourages that perception), and we rip people apart and stomp on the bloody pieces when they're down.

It's a sick culture. Don't expect healthy attitudes to come out of it. This is the internet, where people can indulge their basest thoughts and feelings in complete anonymity.

We all know Val was blackballed for dropping out of Joel Schumacher's crummy Batman films.

"No! Thats not true at all. Elvis takes fifty percent of everything I earn." Col. Parker

Wait, I would think that he would have been in an even worse position had he made a 2nd Batman movie - those Schumacher films were some of the worst in the history of the universe. And Schumacher's 2nd one (with Clooney) was even worse than his first one (with Kilmer), so Kilmer dodged an even bigger bullet than he might have expected.

Batman Forever was awful. I don't blame Kilmer for this. But he would have been a complete idiot to trust being in the next one. I'm not sure what Clooney's excuse was, other than money or ignorance (either is OK by me).

racroen

I agree with most everything you said. I do not agree that Hollywood has been based on looks. It may be that it's getting that way but it's a sad reaction to that sick world you mentioned that going b68to the crapper. People are becoming more and more shallow and without conviction or morals. I look back to when I was growing up and the HUGE difference in family and values. Children growing up under the care of parents who taught values, morals, and responsibility. Now we have too many parents who can't teach their children these things because they haven't a clue what they are.

Case in point - Go to any store on any given day and you'll see a 13 yr old CHILD dressed like a street walker with tons of makeup and a push up silicone bra in an attempt to flop out what she don't have. Look to the side of her and you will usually see the mom who is an older, worn out version of the daughter and looks either fried on drugs or hungover. These 2 (other than what I already said) can usually be identified by the tons of tats covering their derelict bodies, multiple piercings, and the ever so attractive trailer park attitude and language.

Case in point 2 - We used to all love and admire many many great performers who were loved for their incredible talent and looks had NOTHING to do with it. Look at Lucille Ball in her older years, Jack Benny and more recent talents like Jack Nicholson, I could go on forever here on the amazing talent in performing arts from very physically unattractive men/women. Society has lost it's values so they do not value real talent. When people are going nuts after people like ICarly who have no talent and are an embarrassment to real professional - sad day for real talent. We are losing a dying breed and we have created monsters. Another 20 to 30 yrs the last of the real professionals will be gone so I would suggest everyone enjoy them now and appreciate the talent. When the most popular movies today promote drugs, filth, disrespect, and attitudes you would find at a run down trailer park, that should be scary.

PebblesReturns: "I do not agree that Hollywood has been based on looks."

It's always mattered for casting, particularly for women. Margaret Hamilton was not going to get the part of Glenda the Good Witch no matter how talented she was or how much she wanted it. In fact, she almost didn't get the wicked part. One of the Top Suits wanted to cast the beautiful Gale Sondergaard as the Wicked Witch of the West, but it didn't work out and Sondergaard eventually said she didn't want to do it.



It mattered for leading men, too. Humphrey Bogart was an odd exception, but he was born to play noir (anti)heroes. What he lacked in looks and stature, he made up for in attitude.

In comedy it didn't matter so much, but Lucille Ball was always stunning. She just got slightly less stunning as she got older.

racroen,

I will agree with you that there has always been a certain amount of vanity and swooning going on in Hollywood and the gal with the Bette Davis eyes get some attention as well as the handsome leading man who saves the day and makes us believe in heros. It is and can be a part of the role. However, if you look at the website "caught without makeup" you will see (if you haven't in person) how much of this is makeup, camera tricks, lighting, etc.they know what they are doing. lol

I still beg to differ though on the ugly actors point. True, as I just stated, there was always a market for that. However, I find it amazing and uplifting that so many famous people were made very famous by sheer ugliness. lol Seriously, their differences and individuality made them stand out and be noticed. Whether its been comedy, drama, romance, it doesn't matter. They shine and make the world a much better place. Most "beauty" in Hollywood is phony and teaching the kids they need to be examples too that they should be phony to be accepted and many young women are literally killing themselves to be perfect and compete with air brushed models and actresses who have an entourage of make up artist following them around. We need to be examples. These kids grow up watching and learning from us. Similar to police officers in our communities. They need to be above reproach because people look up to them and see them as heros. No badge or gun, but same concept applies. If I am going to be in a line of work that puts me in the spotlight as an example children want to follow, I will endeavor to live up to that responsibility.

Check this out - http://1000awesomethings.com/2008/12/02/883-ugly/

ttp://ravivora.com/blog/ugly-actors-you-know-and-love

You have John Wayne, Thelma Ritter, Jimmy Durante, the Rat pack were pretty ugly but one. I have to apologize for having to look some up. No sleep 2 days and mind starting to fade. (smile) Also, it's just my opinion, but Lucille Ball looked so much better in black and white. Looking at some of her roles when in color, I was not impressed whatsoever with her appearance. Point is this, if you ACT like your all that and a bag of freakin chips, they treat you like you are those things. Attitude works in Hollywood but save it for the Producers.

I must add one more thought. I am shocked, but I think I'm starting to think your okay. That's nothing on you, just don't care for most I've seen coming from these boards.

PebblesReturns: "if you look at the website 'caught without makeup' you will see (if you haven't in person) how much of this is makeup, camera tricks, lighting, etc.they know what they are doing."

Yes they do. I've been a professional artist for over 30 years, so perhaps I know this better than most, but the makeup artists have to have a good armature to work with or they can do nothing. Bone structure is everything. Blotchy skin and bad hair don't matter. The latter can be fixed, but there's little you can do about the former.

(That is, unless you're talking about lumpy-head aliens like in Star Trek; prosthetics can add but they cannot take away.)

If they're cast in leading roles they generally have unusually beautiful "armature." Directors and cinematographers know what to look for. You won't find many exceptions outside of voice acting for animation.

The aforementioned Margaret Hamilton, sweet as she apparently was in real life, did not have beautiful armature, and nothing short of radical maxillofacial surgery could have changed that. It would have wrecked her career too, because that hatchet-face got her work, and even a surgeon could not have made her bone structure pretty enough to compete with, say, Rita Hayworth.

PebblesReturns: "You have John Wayne, Thelma Ritter, Jimmy Durante, the Rat pack were pretty ugly but one."

You're talking about men or supporting (character) actresses. Like it or not there's a double-standard for men, and if you asked a woman I think she'd say that John Wayne was far from ugly. He looked rugged. Chicks dig that.

With the exception of Sammy Davis Jr., none of the Rat Pack were ugly either and Sammy wasn't ugly until he got his face busted up in a car accident. He was so talented in other ways that it just didn't matter that much (although even his friends made fun of him over it), and he was never a leading man type anyway. Back then, he was the wrong color for that.

I looked at your links, but the people on them were all either character actors or not ugly. Both sites mentioned Christopher Walken. In what universe is he considered ugly? Mike Meyers: not ugly, just fat in that picture. Willem Dafoe: more creepy than ugly. Vincent Schiavelli: literally deformed, and his roles depended on that. Helena Bonham Carter: are they NUTS? Tim Curry: again, are they NUTS? Ron Perlman: strange armature, but fun to augment with prosthetics (he looked better as Vincent the Beast than he does in real life).

They're all either character actors, or the mouth-breathers who picked them for "ugly lists" are on crack. Consider the kinds of roles they get and I'll rest my case.

racroen

Well basically, you just agreed with my original point and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I do not think that any of them should be judged on looks, but talent. You fall in love with a character because the actor made that person come alive for you and this takes talent not looks. As I said in earlier comments, Hollywood has perpetrated this perfect image that society tries to mimic and it's costing America much more than makeup. My admiration goes out to the talented performers who refuse to compromise who they are and do not alter themselves or display themselves in a disrespectful manner. They need to be the example and be a positive influence to our children growing up. Good role models. This too, is a part of (or damn well should be) living in the public eye and under scrutiny.

PebblesReturns: "you just agreed with my original point"

I never disagreed with it. You just thought I was being snarky when I said his tiny eyes make the rest of his face look bigger, but really, I was just setting things up for the absurd idea of fat eyes.

Haley Joel Osment has the same tiny eye thing going, and the comments on his board are even meaner. He's an odd-looking man, but he also happens to be a very good actor.

He was an odd-looking kid too, but sometimes odd features work on a child. Clint Howard and Mason Reese come immediately to mind. They were funny looking kids too (Reese looked like a Cabbage Patch doll and still does), but cute in a weird sort of way. I don't think anyone would call them cute now.

They've both done pretty well, though. They're sure as hell more successful than I am.

Has anyone seen him portray Jim Morrison? He was so good in that, that even the Doors band members had a hard time telling their voices apart. He portrayed Morrison perfect. Even though a lot of that stuff in the movie was false(wish it was directed by someone else).

Val Kilmer does have a lovely voice. I loved him in The Prince of Egypt.

Maybe he's doing a Robert DeNiro (circa Raging Bull) for his upcoming role in the Chaz Bono biopic.

It's ridiculous. Val is still better looking than the average joe I've seen on the streets everyday. But I do think he needs to shed a little weight though, just for the sake of his health. :) either way, he's still handsome in my eyes. :)

I love to tour..<3

Val Kilmer is actually worse than most men of his age, at least in Europe. Val Kilmer is too fat even for the American standard.

Yes, yes! I totally agree that mr. Kilmer is one h*ll of an actor. Just take a look at the role he made eternal as Doc Holliday in Tombstone. That will forever be the pinnacle in his career IMHO. BUT: I do feel genuinly concerned for the guy. I hope so hard he gets a come back. He deserves it as much as anybody!

Forget Doc Hlliday, how about Nick Rivers and Chris Knight.
Please, I beg the people who are remaking Real Genius to stop right now. It is a crime against humanity, and no one will be able to pull it off like Kilmer.

I agree with that Frank

I was JUST reading (and I'm scouring my history to find it) that Val is on prednisone. My old man was on prednisone and he developed that so-called "moonface" and retained it up until his death. Discussing one's appearance I don't see much harm in, he's a public figure and it's going to happen regardless. It's the cheap shots, name-calling and insults that can be hurtful. Hell, Alec Baldwin was once the epitome of heart-throb but has made his weight gain work for him and as a prior poster said (and I'm paraphrasing) "People age and that would include celebs and with age comes health issues, sometimes weight gain but in the end they are still the same thespians they were 20 yrs. ago that we fell in love with". Hell, now there's just a little more of them to love. -SFoD

bet you do too!

Sorry that happened to your dad. I know that society needs to grow up and stop being so hateful. Someone having problems we should pray for and encourage them. To much hate and judgement! Nice comment stfrancisofdeath!

amen!

Lol, it's just a huge shock. I mean I still watch top gun and can't believe it. It's not his "looks" just his weight. And don't use age as a factor. My dad is in his 60's and weighs 68 kg. He's 5"9.I'm heavier than he is but only because I have more muscle. Age doesn't make you put on that much weight. You may excercise less and eat worse. Val does look quite unhealthy

http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=19395666

Despite the information being posted on this thread, there's a continuing ignorance of medical reasons for weight gain. Despite popular opinion, not all obesity is the result of overeating or lack of exercise. Countless illnesses and medication side-effects can cause gaining and maintaining such a disorder. Many of us will find this out for ourselves if we live long enough.

What's really ugly is disrespectful and bratty criticism and ridicule experienced by fat people. It's just easier and so much fun to judge and stereotype people as lazy, greedy slobs than to be caring and understanding. For all the talk of "health", our culture's only real issue with fatness is that vicious self-hatred finds it an eyesore.

Like it or not, even a public figure and performance artist such as Val Kilmer is not here for our pleasure. His value is not as a talent but as a Life.

Despite the militant PC anti-obesity drive of the present era, there have always been fat people and always will be. Furthermore, even if one drops out of the pressure of conformity and chooses to remain big, that is one's own concern and not ours.

For education on this important subject, see the following link:

http://www.naafaonline.com/dev2/index.html


Always remember: "What goes around comes around."

Doctor Mabuse, Evil Genius, King of Crime

A simple visit to Wikpedia Free Encyclopedia quickly supplies a starting point for understanding such a condition which Val Kilmer and others may be suffering.

I have supplied pertinent excerpts and suggest reading the Wikipedia page for an unedited treatment of the subject.

Here is the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushing%27s_syndrome


CUSHING'S SYNDROME

"Cushing's syndrome is a hormone disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood. "

"Cushing's disease refers to one specific cause of the syndrome, a tumorin the pituitary gland thatelevates cortisol. It is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome "

"Signs and Symptomsinclude rapid weight gain, particularly of the trunk and face with (central obesity). A common sign is the growth of fat pads along the collar bone and on the back of the neck (buffalo hump) and a round face often referred to as a 'moon face'."

"The weight gain in Cushing's syndrome stretches the skin, which is thin and weakened, causing it to hemorrhage. The excess cortisol may also affect other endocrine systems and cause, for example, insomnia, inhibited aromatase, reduced libido, impotenceand infertility due to elevations in androgens. Patients frequently suffer various psychological disturbances, ranging from euphoria to psychosis. Depression and anxiety are also common."

"Other signs includepersistent hypertension [high blood pressure]and insulin resistance, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes. Insulin resistance is accompanied by skin changes. Untreated Cushing's syndrome can lead to heart disease and increased mortality."

"Cortisol is a stress hormone, so it depresses the immune and inflammatory responses Cortisol evokes a stress-like response. Consequently, the body's maintenance becomes secondary to maintenance of the false stress response."

"There are several possible causes of Cushing's syndrome. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is [steroid treatment] prescribed by a health care practitioner to treat other diseases This can be an effect of steroid treatment of a variety of disorders such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis."

"In adrenal Cushing's, excess cortisol is produced by adrenal gland tumors Cortisol is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland Strictly, Cushing's syndrome refers to excess cortisol"

"Most Cushing's syndrome cases are caused by steroid medications Consequently, most patients are effectively treated by carefully tapering off (and eventually stopping) the medication that causes the symptoms."

"If an adrenal adenoma is identified it may be removed by surgery. In those patients not suitable for or unwilling to undergo surgery, several drugs have been found to inhibit cortisol synthesisbut they are of limited efficacy."

"EpidemiologyIatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (caused by treatment with corticosteroids) is the most common form of Cushing's syndrome. The incidence of pituitary tumors may be relatively high, as much as one in five people, but only a minute fraction are active and produce excessive hormones."

"Adults with the disease may also have symptoms of extreme weight gain, central obesity, Cervical fat pads, high blood pressure, and skin problems. In addition, they may show muscle weakness, osteoporosis, diabetes, Glucose intolerance, Hyperglycemia, hypercholesterol, hypertension, moodiness, irritability, depression, sleep disturbances, baldness and decreased fertility in men."


Conclusion: Get an education before shooting off your big fat mouths.

Doctor Mabuse, Evil Genius, King of Crime

Agreed, he is one hell of an actor, but maybe, just maybe he could take a little better care of himself. I am 46 and still weigh the same I did in high school. And I think most people hold stars up to a higher standard. He would probably get more rolls if he was just in a little better shape. But no this does not take away from his acting talent.

"maybe, just maybe he could take a little better care of himself"


He may actually have a health disorder that's causing his issues with weight.
Maybe you should read the earlier posts in this thread before making personal attacks on someone's physical appearance.

The people who are dissing Val because he gained weight are probably a bunch of straight women and gay men talking smack about him because the man they fanticized about suddenly stopped being a hunk and they're getting all butthurt about it.

I would pay to have sex with Kilmer! He is talented, sexy, has a voice like a god and is so hot it hurts. Fat, who cares about fat!?

Thanks for all the responses I got on my post! Nice to know that there are allot more people out there with their values intact than not. My opinion on a performer is based on talent not looks. Even overweight, due to health problems or not, he is one fine actor and from what I've known about him a good person to boot. All that matters. I could care less about someones looks. I'm going to have to be off here now for now and cancel my acct for the time being. Love and blessings to everyone out there! Take care.

PebblesReturns

I don't care what he looks like. He will always be talented, sexy and handsome in my book, and has been since i was a kid

"Why do we get stuck with old maid and spinster, and men get to be bachelores and playboys?"

Pebbles is back!

Okay seriously, why is everyone here acting like being in your 50s means your a hop, skip, and a jump away from death, and we should all be praising Val Kilmer for still having hair and being able to get out of bed? Fifty is NOT old. It really isn't. Most people who aren't active at 50, use their age as an excuse they are perfectly capable of being active and staying fit.

Val Kilmer is fat, ugly, and a mere shadow of what he once was. And worst of all, is that he has the means (money) to stay in shape and be healthy by buying fresh, organic food and being able to afford a personal trainer. I know dozens, and I mean DOZENS of men in their 50s, 60s, 70s, who are all incredibly fit (not just for there age, just fit in general) and look great because they take pride in their bodies and their health. Val Kilmer clearly let himself go because he stopped caring, and I'm not going to praise him for that.

His acting abilities has nothing to do with his looks. Him being a good actor doesn't stop him from being fat and (presumably) unhealthy. Don't get me wrong, I think that Val Kilmer is a good actor; I enjoy much of his work. But that doesn't blind me to what he looks like and how he's let his physique plummet in the past few years.

Back when he was younger, I still didn't understand why he was getting all the "hero" roles. To me he looked like a younger version of Mel Brooks.


Griffin


Evolution takes no prisoners.