“Put That Thing Away Immediately, Val”: How Cher’s 10-Word Rule Preserved a Timeless Bond

In an era where glowing screens dominate every dinner table, Cher’s fierce defense of focus and connection stands as a refreshing reminder of what it means to truly be present. Her now-legendary ten-word rebuke — “Put that thing away immediately, Val. Don’t look at it.” — wasn’t just a celebrity quip; it was a declaration of principle, delivered to none other than her longtime friend and former partner, Val Kilmer.

Their “no-phone rule,” which lasted for five years, reflected the discipline, respect, and authenticity that have defined one of Hollywood’s most enduring friendships.

An Unlikely Pair with an Unbreakable Bond

Cher and Val Kilmer’s romance began in the early 1980s — a period when both were cultural icons in their own right. Cher, already an Oscar-winning singer and actress, was at the height of her stardom, while Kilmer was fast becoming one of Hollywood’s most intriguing rising talents.

Despite a 13-year age gap and two strong personalities often described as “alpha,” their relationship thrived on mutual admiration. “We were both strong-willed, both passionate, both independent,” Cher has said in interviews. Their time together, though brief (1982–1984), left a lasting mark.

The two remained friends long after their romantic chapter ended. Kilmer affectionately referred to her as “Cherus Reprimandus,” a tongue-in-cheek nod to her assertive nature and tendency to take charge — something that never wavered, even decades later.

The Five-Year “No-Phone Rule”

In a world increasingly defined by constant notifications, Cher and Kilmer made a pact: no phones at dinner. For five years, they upheld this simple but sacred rule.

It wasn’t about nostalgia or rejecting technology — it was about maintaining a space where conversation and human connection came first. As two global figures whose lives revolved around attention and performance, this time away from screens offered something neither fame nor fortune could buy: presence.

That peace was briefly interrupted one evening when Kilmer, breaking the unspoken code, reached for his phone mid-dinner. The screen lit up. The moment didn’t go unnoticed.

Cher, embodying the same mix of warmth and fire that has defined her career, issued her ten-word ultimatum without hesitation:

“Put that thing away immediately, Val. Don’t look at it.”

In that instant, she reaffirmed the boundary that had kept their friendship authentic — and made clear that no text or call was worth the distraction.

The Lesson Behind the Line

Cher’s quick, uncompromising reaction is emblematic of her broader philosophy: connection demands attention. For her, the value of conversation, humor, and honesty far outweighs the fleeting satisfaction of checking a screen.

Sociologists have long noted that the rise of digital devices has redefined social interaction — often eroding focus and emotional closeness. In this light, Cher’s “rule” feels less like an eccentricity and more like a lesson in modern mindfulness.

Their dinner-table discipline was not about isolation from the world but about creating a refuge from it — a shared moment where time stood still, even for two people who have spent their lives under the glare of cameras.

A Friendship That Withstood Everything

Cher and Kilmer’s bond has endured for more than four decades, outlasting marriages, careers, and public scrutiny. When Kilmer faced throat cancer in 2015, Cher offered him refuge in her home, caring for him with what he later described as “humor, comfort, and love.”

In his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, Kilmer wrote affectionately of her:

“She was able to make the impossible seem easy. Even when things were dark, she made me laugh.”

It’s clear that their relationship has always been built on a foundation of respect, emotional honesty, and mutual support — the same qualities embodied in that ten-word command.

“Put the Phone Down” — A Universal Message

Cher’s now-famous response may have been directed at a friend, but it echoes a universal truth: the most meaningful connections happen when we look up, not down.

Her ability to turn a simple moment of irritation into a statement of values — and to deliver it with wit and conviction — is classic Cher: bold, timeless, and rooted in love.

In a world addicted to screens, her message to Val Kilmer resonates more broadly than ever.
Sometimes, the best way to say “I care about you” is also the simplest:

“Put that thing away immediately.”