How Much Was Val Kilmer Paid for Top Gun?
Released in 1986, Top Gun was a massive success, catapulting Tom Cruise to superstardom and cementing his status as a Hollywood A-lister. But what about the co-star who played the role of Iceman, the cocky and rivalrous fighter pilot? Val Kilmer, who had already gained recognition for his roles in Real Genius and Heat, was cast as the character who would pose a significant threat to Tom Cruise’s Maverick.
What Was Val Kilmer Paid for Top Gun?
According to various sources, including Kilmer himself, he was paid a relatively modest sum of $15,000 for his role in Top Gun. Yes, you read that right – $15,000. This is surprisingly low, considering the movie’s success and Kilmer’s growing fame at the time.
**Why So Little?**
So, why did Kilmer receive such a low paycheque? There are a few reasons:
- Novice status: At the time of the film’s release, Kilmer was still a relatively new face in Hollywood. He had appeared in a few small roles and had yet to establish himself as a major star. As a result, he was likely offered a lower salary to attract him to the project.
- No major stars in the film: Unlike Tom Cruise, who was already an established star, Kilmer wasn’t a household name. This meant that his salary wasn’t driven up by the same level of demand as Cruise’s.
- Low budget film: Top Gun was made on a budget of approximately $15 million. With such a modest budget, there was limited room for extravagance in terms of salaries.
What Has Kilmer Said About His Top Gun Pay?
Kilmer has spoken candidly about his experience making Top Gun, including his modest salary. In a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said:
"I was paid a very low salary, like $15,000, and that was it… But I was trying to become a star, and I was trying to get away from being seen as a ‘typecast’ as a nerdy kid, and Top Gun was a way to break out of that."
Kilmer also joked that he had to sell his prized Ferrari to make ends meet during the film’s production.
**What’s Kilmer Worth Today?**
Fast forward to today, and Val Kilmer’s net worth is significantly higher than his original Top Gun paycheque. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Kilmer’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. While this is a far cry from the mega-millions earned by his Top Gun co-star Tom Cruise, Kilmer’s net worth has still appreciated significantly over the years.
Other Top Gun Salaries
To put Kilmer’s $15,000 salary into perspective, here are the reported salaries of some other Top Gun cast members:
- Tom Cruise: reportedly earned a $600,000 salary
- Anthony Edwards: earned $150,000
- Tom Skerritt: earned $100,000
- Kelly McGillis: earned $50,000
| Cast Member | Salary (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Val Kilmer (Iceman) | $15,000 |
| Tom Cruise (Maverick) | $600,000 |
| Anthony Edwards (Goose) | $150,000 |
| Tom Skerritt (Viper) | $100,000 |
| Kelly McGillis (Charlie) | $50,000 |
Conclusion
While Val Kilmer’s $15,000 salary for Top Gun may seem modest compared to his fellow cast members, it’s clear that he still has a place in the annals of Hollywood history as one of the original Top Gun stars. Kilmer’s modest paycheque is a testament to his early struggles as a new face in Hollywood, and his dedication to breaking into the big leagues. Despite the initial low pay, Kilmer has gone on to enjoy a successful acting career, with a net worth estimated to be in the millions.
