Drew Barrymore has recently reminisced about her late costar Val Kilmer from the film "Batman Forever," following his heartbreaking demise at the age of 65 last week. On Monday's episode of "The Drew Barrymore Show," the actress and daytime TV host engaged in a poignant conversation with guest Kevin, as they shared their memories of working alongside both Val and the late director Joel Schumacher.
The "Never Been Kissed" actress recounted, "I was close friends with Joel, the director, whom I thought of fondly this morning, because it was he and Val who brought me into the world of 'Batman Forever.'" She continued, "Val was incredibly kind to me. He was nurturing, gentle, and provided a safe space, which was immensely important to me at that time."
Kevin, on the contrary, emphasized that Val's kindness and his unique way of making the "Blended" actress feel secure on set were "perhaps not as prevalent" in those days. Drew concurred, adding, "I felt like, 'Nobody is expecting anything from me; they only want the best for me.'" She further remarked, "I found that truly fascinating."
For those unaware, Val marked his debut and only stint as the Caped Crusader, succeeding Michael Keaton in the role. Prior to this, he had portrayed Batman/Bruce Wayne in the first two installments of the trilogy: 1989's "Batman" and 1992's "Batman Returns." In the 1995 superhero film, Drew played Sugar, the innocently sweet and angelic assistant to Tommy Lee Jones' Harvey Dent/Two-Face. She shared the role title with Harvey's mischievous assistant Spice, portrayed by Debi Mazar.
Meanwhile, Jim Carrey, who starred as the inquisitive Riddler in the movie, eulogized Val as a "generational talent" in a statement to Entertainment Weekly last week. "Today, I remember Val Kilmer with immense admiration for him as a person and as a generational talent who has left behind an enviable legacy of unforgettable performances," said the "Mask" actor.
