Val Kilmer - Kilmer 'Embarrassed' By Honorary Degree

The Batman Forever star is set to receive an honorary doctorate of fine arts from William Woods University in Missouri in May (12) and will give a speech to graduates at the college.

However, the actor admits he feels bad about the award as his first reaction was to tease his brother, who has a "real" doctorate of his own.

He tells Vanity Fair, "It's embarrassing if you have a brother with a real doctorate. I called him up without thinking - I was so excited! - and said, 'You won't believe it! They called me out the blue. I'm going to be just like you! Dr. Kilmer.' There was a long pause, and I immediately realised what a mistake this phone call was."