Will Forte Reveals Not Joining ‘The Amazing Race’ with Val Kilmer as his ‘Biggest Regret’
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Will Forte, the well-known comedian and actor, recently shared his deepest regret of not participating in ‘The Amazing Race’ alongside his late friend Val Kilmer. The pair’s friendship blossomed during their time working together on Forte’s 2010 comedy ‘MacGruber,’ where Kilmer played the antagonist character of Dieter Von Cunth, and continued long after the film wrapped up. Forte penned a heartfelt essay for Vulture, reflecting on the fond memories he shared with Kilmer, who tragically passed away at the age of 65 on April 1.


Forte reminisced about the time when Kilmer, facing a dispute with his landlord in Malibu, stayed with him for two and a half months. It was during this period that the idea of participating in the reality television show ‘The Amazing Race’ came into play. The duo, initially unlikely partners for such a venture, found themselves excited about the prospect, only to have their hopes dashed by their agents and managers who vetoed the idea. Forte now considers not pursuing this opportunity with Kilmer as the biggest regret of his career.
Despite their different backgrounds, Forte and Kilmer struck a chord and developed a strong bond that extended beyond the realms of work. Kilmer, already a Hollywood star with iconic roles in movies like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman Forever,’ was known for his versatile acting skills. In Forte’s eyes, Kilmer was not just a colleague but someone who went above and beyond to support him, even offering his home during times of need.
Kilmer’s passing came as a shock to many, with his daughter revealing that he succumbed to pneumonia. His final movie, ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ released in 2022, marked the culmination of a remarkable career in the film industry. Forte fondly remembers his discussions with Kilmer about collaborating on future projects, although nothing concrete materialized beyond ‘MacGruber.’ Their shared interest in shows like ’30 Rock’ and spontaneous activities like jogging in unconventional attire added layers to their friendship.
In his reflective essay, Forte expressed a desire for more time to cherish the numerous memories he shared with Kilmer. From light-hearted conversations to potentially exploring creative collaborations, the duo’s bond transcended the typical actor-comedian dynamic. While Forte may lament the missed opportunity of embarking on ‘The Amazing Race’ with Kilmer, the memories and experiences they created together remain cherished moments in his career.
As the world continues to mourn the loss of a talented actor and a genuine friend, Forte’s words offer a glimpse into the profound impact Kilmer had on those around him. Through laughter, shared experiences, and unwavering support, their friendship serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring connections forged in the entertainment industry. Will Forte’s tribute to Val Kilmer stands as a testament to the power of friendship and the lasting influence of those we hold dear.
