Jack Kilmer Bio
John Wallace Kilmer (born June 6, 1995) is an American actor and musician. He is known for his roles in independent films, including his breakthrough performance in Palo Alto (2014), his supporting turn in The Nice Guys (2016), and his portrayal of Pelle “Dead” Ohlin in Lords of Chaos (2018). The son of actors Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley, Kilmer has established his own identity in the entertainment industry while also serving as narrator for the 2021 documentary Val about his father. Beyond acting, he is a musician who has performed with the band Glimmer and released a solo EP titled “Archaic Angelic.”
Early Life and Background
Jack Kilmer was born on June 6, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, to actors Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley. He attended The Center for Early Education, where he met future filmmaker Gia Coppola in elementary school. His mother is British, which grants him dual citizenship in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Growing up in a household deeply involved in entertainment, he was exposed to the industry from an early age.
During his school years, Kilmer developed interests beyond acting, including surfing and skateboarding. He graduated from high school in 2013 with plans to attend college, originally viewing his acting work as a temporary pursuit rather than a career path. His upbringing between Los Angeles and his parents’ professional circles shaped his creative sensibilities and work ethic.
Path to Acting
Kilmer’s entry into acting came unexpectedly through his connection to Gia Coppola, who was developing a film adaptation of James Franco’s book Palo Alto. When Coppola needed someone to evaluate whether her dialogue felt authentic to teenage experiences, she turned to Kilmer for feedback. After running through a table read together, she suggested he try out for the role of Teddy, having him record himself performing the lines as an audition tape. At age 16 with no prior acting experience or aspirations, Kilmer landed the part.
His father Val Kilmer was also cast in Palo Alto, playing the father of another character, creating a unique father-son dynamic on set. The film premiered in May 2014 to critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Kilmer’s performance for its naturalism and sincerity. This debut convinced him to abandon his college plans and pursue acting professionally.
Jack Kilmer Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Following his debut in Palo Alto, Kilmer quickly secured additional film roles. In April 2014, he filmed Len and Company with Juno Temple and Rhys Ifans, playing a supporting role in this independent drama. The same year, he ventured into high fashion modeling, appearing in portrait sessions for Saint Laurent’s Permanent Collection and walking in their 2015 spring-summer runway show, establishing himself as a multi-faceted performer beyond traditional acting circles.
His debut performance garnered attention from critics and industry professionals alike. Kilmer’s naturalistic approach and screen presence distinguished him among emerging talents, opening doors to diverse project opportunities in both independent cinema and larger productions.
Breakthrough (2016–2018)
Kilmer played Chet, a young film projectionist, in the 2016 neo-noir crime comedy The Nice Guys. The film was written and directed by Shane Black, who had previously worked with his father Val on Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, creating another industry connection. Despite its modest box office performance, the film developed a cult following and showcased Kilmer’s ability to hold his own alongside established stars Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe.
His most significant role came in 2018 when he portrayed Pelle “Dead” Ohlin, the troubled lead singer of the Norwegian black metal band Bathory, in Jonas Åkerlund’s Lords of Chaos. This biographical horror thriller explored the violent origins of the black metal movement in Norway. The demanding role required Kilmer to immerse himself in the dark psychological world of his character, earning him recognition for his committed performance alongside Rory Culkin and Valter Skarsgård.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kilmer’s filmography demonstrates his range across genres, from coming-of-age dramas to crime comedies and psychological thrillers. His debut in Palo Alto established him as a promising young talent, while Lords of Chaos showcased his willingness to take on challenging, unconventional roles. Each project has built upon the last, demonstrating steady growth as a performer.
Jack Kilmer Family
Jack Kilmer is the son of acclaimed actors Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley. His father Val Kilmer is known for roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, while his mother Joanne Whalley appeared in films such as The Princess Bride and Willow. His parents met during the filming of Willow in 1988 and married that same year before divorcing in 1996. Growing up as the child of two working actors provided him unique access to the entertainment industry from birth.
Personal Life
Kilmer is also a musician who plays guitar and drums. He was previously a member of the band Glimmer and has performed as a touring guitarist with Brion Starr. In 2020, he released his debut solo EP titled Archaic Angelic, marking his transition from session musician to solo artist. When not working on film projects, he continues to pursue music alongside his acting career.
He enjoys outdoor activities including surfing and skateboarding. He appeared as Ozzy Osbourne in the music video for “Under the Graveyard” and provided voice work for the Disney+ series Willow, voicing Madmartigan, the character originally played by his father Val in the 1988 film. He has been active in the entertainment industry since 2013.