Will Forte reminisces about the ‘interesting’ time his ‘MacGruber’ costar Val Kilmer was his roommate

CNN - Apr 5th, 2025

Will Forte reminisces about his deep friendship with Val Kilmer, who recently passed away at 65 from pneumonia. Forte describes Kilmer as immensely funny and intelligent, recounting how their relationship blossomed during the filming of 'MacGruber.' Kilmer, who was facing real estate challenges, asked Forte for temporary accommodation, which ended up extending to nearly three months. Forte fondly recalls Kilmer's quirks, like reading with a headlamp in the dark or unexpectedly jogging in a linen suit, painting a picture of a man full of surprises and zest for life.

Their shared experiences included watching and becoming engrossed in 'The Amazing Race,' leading them to even consider participating in the show together—a dream ultimately thwarted by their agents. Forte considers missing this opportunity as one of his biggest career regrets. This story highlights the profound impact Kilmer had on those around him, not just as a talented actor but as a truly unique and vibrant individual whose presence made life more vivid for his friends.

Entertainment Friendship Val Kilmer Will Forte Mac Gruber The Amazing Race

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides an intimate glimpse into the friendship between Will Forte and Val Kilmer, offering readers engaging anecdotes and personal reflections. It is timely and relevant, given Kilmer's recent passing, and captures the public's interest in celebrity stories. The narrative is clear and engaging, with a strong focus on Forte's perspective. However, the reliance on a single source limits the breadth and balance of the story, and the lack of diverse viewpoints may affect its comprehensiveness. While the article is unlikely to drive significant societal change, it contributes to the cultural memory of Kilmer and provides valuable insights into his unique personality. Overall, the story is well-crafted and engaging but could benefit from additional perspectives and sources to enhance its depth and reliability.

Accuracy

The story presents several verifiable claims, such as the death of Val Kilmer from pneumonia at age 65, which is supported by external sources. Will Forte's account of living with Kilmer for nearly three months and their work together on 'MacGruber' aligns with known facts about their collaboration. The description of Kilmer's personality and anecdotes provided by Forte are subjective but consistent with Forte's personal experiences. The claim about Kilmer’s interest in 'The Amazing Race' and the regret of not participating is corroborated by Forte's statements. However, the story would benefit from additional corroboration by third-party sources for some personal anecdotes.

Balance

The story primarily represents Will Forte's perspective, focusing on his experiences and memories of Val Kilmer. While it provides an intimate look at their friendship, it lacks other viewpoints that could offer a more rounded picture of Kilmer's character and impact. Including perspectives from other colleagues or friends could have enhanced the balance and depth of the narrative. The focus on Forte's regret and anecdotes may inadvertently overshadow broader aspects of Kilmer's life and career.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and easy to follow, with a clear narrative flow that guides the reader through Forte's recollections. The language is accessible and engaging, capturing the reader's interest with vivid descriptions of Kilmer's eccentricities. However, the story could benefit from clearer differentiation between subjective opinions and factual claims. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on storytelling rather than editorializing.

Source quality

The story relies heavily on Will Forte's firsthand account, which is a credible source given his direct relationship with Val Kilmer. However, the reliance on a single source limits the story's breadth and depth. Additional sources, such as interviews with other acquaintances or industry experts, could enhance the reliability and richness of the narrative. The absence of diverse sources makes the story susceptible to bias, as it reflects primarily Forte's personal experiences and opinions.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its basis, clearly attributing the narrative to Will Forte's personal essay. However, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence Forte's account. The lack of methodological explanation for how Forte's statements were verified or contextualized limits transparency. Providing context about the relationship dynamics or the period during which these events occurred could enhance understanding and credibility.