Danny Trejo is speaking out about his Heat co-star Val Kilmer, dismissing long-standing rumors that Kilmer was difficult to work with. In an interview with TMZ, Trejo said those claims were inaccurate, describing Kilmer instead as a “perfectionist” deeply committed to his craft.
Trejo said Kilmer’s dedication was often misunderstood. “He wasn’t a diva,” Trejo explained. “He just wanted everything to be perfect.” Rather than being high-maintenance, he said Kilmer simply believed that if something could be done better, it should be.
The veteran actor recalled that Kilmer was kind and respectful to everyone on set. To illustrate that, Trejo shared a favorite memory from filming Heat. He remembered admiring a leather jacket Kilmer wore to set one day. By the next morning, an identical jacket had appeared in his trailer — a quiet gift from Kilmer.
Trejo also voiced disappointment that Kilmer was never nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone, calling it one of the biggest oversights in Hollywood. “That performance deserved it,” he said.
Kilmer, who passed away Tuesday at age 65, was best known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, The Doors, Batman Forever, Tombstone, and Heat. His death came as a shock to many, as few were aware of how much his health had declined in recent years.
“He wanted the best — not just for himself, but for the film,” Trejo said. “That’s what people should remember about Val.”
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