Val Kilmer, the renowned actor whose career skyrocketed in the 1980s, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his brooding demeanor and often seen as a petulant figure on set, Kilmer's talent was undeniable and his performances were consistently captivating. His relentless dedication to the craft of acting set him apart in an industry filled with aspirants.

Director Oliver Stone, a prominent figure in Kilmer’s career, reflected on the actor’s multifaceted personality following his death on Tuesday. Stone, who collaborated with Kilmer on notable projects such as the 1991 rock biopic The Doors and the historical drama Alexander in 2004, described Kilmer’s nature as “contradictory.” In a statement to Rolling Stone, Stone praised Kilmer as “brilliant,” particularly highlighting his role as Jim Morrison in The Doors and as King Philip of Macedon in Alexander.

Stone noted a significant evolution in Kilmer’s approach to his roles between the two films, stating, “His approach and attitude significantly changed between 1990 and Alexander in 2004. The results satisfied me on both occasions.” He went on to describe Kilmer as “turbulent, contradictory, and tortured,” adding that these characteristics made him an exhilarating presence on screen. “We need more Vals,” Stone concluded, emphasizing the unique energy Kilmer brought to his performances.

Among his many memorable roles, Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison is often regarded as his most transformative. Stone has previously expressed that Kilmer was “robbed” of an Oscar nomination for this iconic role. In his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, Kilmer reflected on the tragic narrative of Morrison’s life: “The story to me was Jim’s glory and then his demise, the Greek fleet waiting to sail him into his fate, to die with rock & roll in one mighty catastrophe.”

Elaborating on his artistic process, Kilmer shared his thoughts about embodying Morrison, stating, “Maybe, if I tried hard enough, I could break through and reflect his light, free his mind, and through some Bacchanalian surge of prowess, offer healing to myself, to Jim and everyone watching.” This insight underscores Kilmer's profound commitment to the roles he undertook and the depths he was willing to explore.

In a heartfelt tribute, Stone remembered Kilmer as “an iconoclast and rebel in his acting,” noting that he always kept his performances exciting, whether in supporting or main roles. “The movies will miss him,” he added, underscoring the significant loss to the film industry.

Other actors who worked closely with Kilmer also paid their respects. Frank Whaley, who portrayed Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, described his experience working alongside Kilmer as “life-altering.” John Densmore, the drummer for the Doors, remarked, “The gifted actor, Val Kilmer, who miraculously played Jim in The Doors movie has broke on thru to the other side.” Kyle MacLachlan, who played Ray Manzarek in the film, shared a touching sentiment, saying, “You’ll always be my Jim. See you on the other side my friend.”

Perhaps one of the most vivid and humorous recollections of Kilmer came from actress Jennifer Tilly. She recounted an unforgettable encounter during auditions for the 1991 film. Tilly described how a Sixties convertible screeched to a halt outside the casting office, blasting Doors music at full volume. A barefoot, shirtless man with wild hair emerged, clad only in tight leather pants, leaving everyone stunned. “We all looked at each other like… Who is this guy? We were more than a little shook by the sheer audacity of his entrance,” she recalled. “Well of course it was Val Kilmer and from that minute on, nobody else stood a chance. Rip King.”