The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Val Kilmer, the legendary actor known for memorable roles in films such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, The Doors, Tombstone, True Romance, and Heat. Kilmer passed away Tuesday night in Los Angeles at the age of 65 after battling pneumonia, according to his daughter Mercedes. She noted that he was surrounded by family and friends during his final moments.
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Kilmer, who had earlier faced significant health challenges including a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that necessitated two tracheotomies, saw his acting career largely halted as a result. Nevertheless, he made a poignant return to film in 2022, reprising his beloved role as Lt. Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick. His life and extensive career were also beautifully documented in the 2021 Amazon Prime documentary, Val.
Tributes immediately poured in from across Hollywood and beyond as news of his passing spread, highlighting Kilmer's immense creativity and warm spirit.
Acclaimed actor Josh Brolin expressed heartfelt sentiments on Instagram, writing, “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts.”
Renowned director Francis Ford Coppola reflected on Kilmer’s lifelong talent, sharing, “Val Kilmer was the most talented actor when in his High School, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life. He was a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know — I will always remember him.”
Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in the acclaimed film Heat, released an emotional statement honoring the actor's remarkable versatility and courage. Mann stated, “While working with Val on Heat I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character. After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news.”
Josh Gad paid tribute to the "icon," writing, "Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood."
Danny Ramirez, who starred alongside Kilmer in Top Gun: Maverick, shared a message to his Instagram story, writing, "In the brief time I spent with him on set he was nothing but kind, joyous and playful. I felt lucky to be in the same room."
Acclaimed film critic Richard Roeper paid homage to some of Kilmer's greatest roles in several X posts. "Val Kilmer should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for 'Tombstone' and for 'Heat. He was a brilliant presence in some of the most enduring films of his generation," Roeper wrote. "Rest well. Thank you for the incredible work." Roeper also highlighted Kilmer's early Hollywood career: "One of my favorite early Val Kilmer appearances is in 'Real Genius.' Val did something special with a typical 1980s cynical rebel/wisecracker role, giving his character a layer of big brother warmth. It’s actually kind of sweet."
Edgar Wright, known for films like Hot Fuzz and Baby Driver, honored Kilmer's legacy on Instagram, saying he was "a hell of a movie star in the right role." He added poignantly, "Farewell Val, you burned bright."
"Severance" star Adam Scott mourned Kilmer’s passing with a simple yet touching Instagram tribute, sharing a still of Kilmer in his iconic "Top Gun" role accompanied by a single red heart emoji.
Kilmer leaves behind an indelible legacy, celebrated through his powerful performances and beloved by fans and colleagues alike. Our thoughts remain with Val Kilmer’s family, friends, and all who cherished him during this difficult time.
