Following their collaboration in the film MacGruber, an adaptation of a popular Saturday Night Live sketch, actors Will Forte and Val Kilmer formed a close bond that included a brief period of living together.

From Co-Stars to Roommates

Forte, who has long been an admirer of Kilmer’s work, described the initial casting of the actor as the antagonist Dieter Von Cunth as a remarkable turn of fate. Their chemistry during filming led to a friendship strong enough for Kilmer to consider renting an apartment together in Malibu after he decided to move out of his former residence.

Shared Interests and Televised Adventures

During their time as roommates, Forte often watched The Amazing Race, a competitive reality series on CBS featuring teams racing across the globe. Initially, Kilmer dismissed the show, labeling it as “garbage,” but he soon became captivated by its challenges.

A Regretful Missed Opportunity

Excited by the idea of participating together in The Amazing Race, Kilmer urged Forte to join him on the program, to which Forte eagerly agreed. They even contacted their agents, only to be informed that such an undertaking was not feasible. Forte later expressed this decision as “the biggest regret of my whole career — that I never did The Amazing Race with Val. I think we would’ve gotten out very quickly, but it just would’ve been the experience of a lifetime.”

Fond Reminiscences

In his reflective essay, Forte lamented the passing of time and his desire for more moments shared with Kilmer, stating, “I wish I had more time to remember the old stories. There are so many memories I’m leaving out.” Their unexpected collaboration in MacGruber was a stroke of luck for Forte, and he cherished the time they spent as roommates.

The Legacy of Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer, who passed away recently at the age of 65 due to pneumonia, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances. His career was marked by a versatile range of roles in iconic films like The Doors, Batman Forever, and Top Gun: Maverick. Despite the challenges posed by a throat cancer diagnosis that changed his voice, Kilmer’s talent and authenticity resonated with audiences and peers alike.