Val Kilmer feels sorry for the new breed of wannabes who come to Hollywood seeking fame and fortune - because many of them come from small towns where they were already big stars.
The actor constantly meets prom queens and sports heroes who are now just waiting tables, desperately trying to get a big break.
He says: "A lot of men and women come out who, as kids, were the captain of the football team or the prom queen from a little town in Wisconsin.
"They come out here to Hollywood and they're just another waiter and waitress. It's hard on your soul when you're a kid and you're used to being the main focus of attention in your high school."