Val Kilmer was known for his unforgettable roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Willow, but his artistry extended far beyond Hollywood. In addition to being a visual artist, playwright, and activist, Kilmer also had a deep passion for poetry—a side of him that remained largely under the radar.
Kilmer began writing poetry in his twenties while studying at The Juilliard School, continuing throughout his life. His final published works, released in 2021, spanned over three decades of writing, possibly up until his death this week at age 65 from pneumonia.
“Poetry is a very subjective and intimate expression,” Kilmer once said. “It’s literally your heartbeat. Your rhythm. The song of your soul.”
A Rare Poetry Collection
In 1987, at the height of his Hollywood fame, Kilmer self-published My Edens After Burns, a collection of deeply personal and introspective poems. Initially printed in a limited run, Kilmer gifted copies to friends and family before deciding to buy back most of the unsold editions, storing them in his garage. Over time, some copies were distributed, including at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, where he personally handed out signed editions.
The poetry in My Edens After Burns explores themes of love, mortality, spirituality, and the pressures of fame. One poem, The Pfeiffer Howls at the Moon, is believed to be dedicated to his former girlfriend, actress Michelle Pfeiffer. Kilmer’s relationships with Cher, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, and ex-wife Joanne Whalley may have also influenced his work.
A Collector’s Treasure
Today, My Edens After Burns is a rare collector’s item, with first editions listed for as much as $3,500 on Amazon. For those interested in Kilmer’s poetry without the hefty price tag, Cowboy Poet Outlaw Madman: Selected Poems by Val Kilmer offers another glimpse into his literary work. Published by A24 in conjunction with VAL, the 2021 documentary about his life, the book compiles some of his most notable poems.
Though Kilmer’s legacy is most often tied to his iconic film roles, his poetry reveals a deeply introspective artist who saw words as another form of self-expression—one that, much like his performances, left a lasting impact.
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