Val Kilmer’s Hilarious Elvis Audition That Made Him the Perfect Star for Top Secret!

Val Kilmer’s breakout role in the 1984 spy comedy Top Secret! was secured in an unexpected and memorable way—through an impromptu Elvis Presley impersonation. Director David Zucker, who worked alongside his brother Jerry and Jim Abrahams as the comedy filmmaking trio ZAZ, shared the story of Kilmer’s unforgettable audition in an exclusive interview following the actor’s death on April 1 at the age of 65.

Kilmer, who would later go on to iconic roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, was a relative newcomer at the time. His audition for Top Secret!, a spoof about a young American singer, Nick Rivers (played by Kilmer), caught up in a Cold War resistance movement in East Germany, was pivotal in launching his career. According to Zucker, after reading for the role and impressing the team with his performance, Kilmer delivered an impromptu rendition of Elvis Presley’s song “Turn Me Loose,” bringing the room to laughter and sealing the deal.

An Elvis Impersonation That Sealed the Deal

Zucker recalled the audition fondly: “He read [the script] great. We were all smiling. We thought, well, this guy’s pretty good. But then he launches into an impromptu rendition of an Elvis song, ‘Turn Me Loose.’ He had brought a tape with him of the music. He was incredible. And he’s doing the dancing and everything. We were laughing the whole time.” It was that spontaneous performance that convinced Zucker and his team that Kilmer was the perfect fit for the role, and soon after, they were off to Pinewood Studios in London to begin filming.

At the time of the audition, Kilmer was already gaining recognition for his work onstage, having performed in the play Slab Boys alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon. Zucker and the ZAZ team, known for their work on Airplane! and The Naked Gun franchise, were quick to spot Kilmer’s talent, but it was his ability to fully embrace a character—combined with his humor and versatility—that really stood out during the audition.

Kilmer’s On-Set Personality

Zucker recalled that Kilmer’s behavior on set ranged from playful to moody, which the director attributed to the odd role he was playing. Kilmer’s character, Nick Rivers, was a far cry from the serious or dramatic roles he would later take on, and Zucker admits that “we didn’t write a good character for Val.” As a Juilliard-trained actor, Kilmer was perhaps better suited for more nuanced roles than the slapstick humor required in Top Secret!. Yet, Kilmer threw himself into the role wholeheartedly, creating an unforgettable and absurd performance that became one of his trademarks.

Despite the film’s goofy and zany nature, with co-stars like a cow wearing boots, Zucker noted that Kilmer’s commitment to his character was part of what made the film work. “In the entertainment business, you just hope you can entertain people. I think that people remember very vividly Val’s characters,” Zucker said. “He had the ability to disappear into his characters.”

Cher’s Perspective on Top Secret!

During the filming of Top Secret!, Kilmer was dating legendary singer and actress Cher, who famously critiqued the project as “a monumentally stupid movie” and predicted it would “flop at the box office.” While her prediction turned out to be somewhat accurate—Top Secret! was not a massive box office success—it has since become a cult classic, known for its absurd humor and Kilmer’s memorable performance. Despite Cher’s skepticism, Zucker appreciated the energy and commitment Kilmer brought to the role, even as his girlfriend voiced doubts.

Kilmer’s Legacy

Though Kilmer went on to have an illustrious career, including standout roles in The Doors, Heat, and the aforementioned Top Gun, his work in Top Secret! remains a defining moment of his early career. It was there that Kilmer showed his ability to bring both comedy and charisma to a role, making the film a beloved part of his filmography.

Zucker, who had stayed in touch with Kilmer over the years and even shared a street with him, expressed his sadness at the actor’s passing, which came after Kilmer’s battle with throat cancer. “I am especially sad to hear of Val’s passing,” Zucker said. “Although we had been in communication over the years… I find myself still a bit shocked to lose him.”

Val Kilmer’s ability to blend humor, intensity, and charm made him one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors. From his Top Secret! debut to his legacy in films like Batman Forever, Kilmer’s ability to completely transform into his characters left a lasting impact on audiences. His Elvis impersonation during that fateful audition was just the beginning of a career filled with unforgettable roles.