The Doors’ Robby Krieger Recalls Thinking the Late Val Kilmer Didn’t Look Like Jim Morrison When He Landed Biopic Role

Robby Krieger, a former member of The Doors, recently shared his thoughts on the casting of Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison in the biopic about the iconic rock band. Kilmer, who sadly passed away at the age of 65 on April 1, delivered a memorable portrayal of Morrison in Oliver Stone’s 1991 film. Despite the success of Kilmer’s performance, Krieger, now 79, initially had reservations about the actor being chosen to play the legendary frontman.

In a recent interview published by USA Today, Krieger recalled his first meeting with Kilmer in 1990, where the actor excitedly announced that he had secured the role of Jim Morrison. Krieger admitted that at first glance, Kilmer neither looked nor acted like Morrison. However, his skepticism was soon challenged when Kilmer showed him a video of himself singing as Morrison in a Doors tribute band. Watching the clip, Krieger was impressed by Kilmer’s vocal ability and believed that he could indeed embody the essence of Morrison on screen.

Krieger revealed that Kilmer’s dedication to the role was evident during the making of the biopic. The actor spent a significant amount of time learning and perfecting The Doors’ songs, with Krieger noting that Kilmer sang about 90 percent of the music heard in the film. Krieger also mentioned that Kilmer worked closely with Dan Rothchild, the son of The Doors’ producer, to ensure that his performances were authentic and true to the band’s sound.

In “The Doors” biopic, alongside Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison, the other band members were portrayed by Kevin Dillon as drummer John Densmore, Kyle MacLachlan as keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and Frank Whaley as Krieger. The film chronicles the band’s rise to fame in Los Angeles and delves into Morrison’s personal struggles before his untimely death at the age of 27.

After news of Kilmer’s passing emerged, The Doors paid tribute to the actor on their official Instagram account. They expressed their sadness at his death and praised Kilmer for his powerful portrayal of Jim Morrison, which helped introduce a new generation to the band’s music and story. John Densmore, the band’s drummer, shared his admiration for Kilmer’s performance, suggesting that the actor’s embodiment of Morrison was so convincing that it gave him chills on set.

In response to Kilmer’s passing, fellow actors and musicians, including Nicolas Cage, expressed their condolences and admiration for the late actor. Cage praised Kilmer’s talent and commitment to his craft, highlighting his belief that Kilmer deserved recognition for his role in “The Doors” biopic. The outpouring of tributes from those who worked closely with Kilmer demonstrates the impact he had not only as an actor but as a dedicated artist committed to embodying the characters he portrayed.

In conclusion, the behind-the-scenes insights shared by Robby Krieger offer a glimpse into the meticulous preparation and dedication that Val Kilmer brought to his role as Jim Morrison. Kilmer’s portrayal continues to be celebrated for its authenticity and intensity, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and his fellow collaborators. The legacy of Kilmer’s performance in “The Doors” biopic ensures that his talent and commitment to his craft will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.