Yahoo Lifestyle Val Kilmer Was Scheduled To Attend Last Night’s Beverly Hills Film Festival Screening Of Documentary On Friend Michael Madsen
Val Kilmer died Tuesday just hours before he was set to attend the Beverly Hills Film Festival’s screening of a Michael Madsen documentary, fest execs say.
“It was a shock to find this out,” said Nino Simone, founder and president of the Beverly Hills Film Festival. “We had just confirmed Val to attend the West Coast premiere of American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective this past weekend. He was thrilled to come out in support of his friend. I know PR was on the phone, trying to get a hold of the driver, bringing Val for his 7:30 p.m. red carpet arrival. The story and news of his death were reported, literally at the same, exact time. Unbelievable, and so heart-breaking. Our hearts go out to his family.”
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Wednesday marked the opening of the 25th anniversary festival. Among those turning out on opening night were Ann-Margret, the Bye Bye Birdie actor who is the executive producer of the fest’s short film Wander Women; and Beau Bridges, alongside his son Ezekiel Bridges, who both appear in Welcome to Klyde’s Kitchen directed by Sonia Bajaj.
The 25th annual International Beverly Hills Film Festival Will run through April 6.
Kilmer’s death was announced last night by daughter Mercedes Kilmer. The actor was 65.
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