“Honoring Val Kilmer: A Brilliant Actor, Dynamic Talent, and Cherished Friend” | Ents & Arts News
Film industry figures including actors, directors, and celebrity acquaintances have come together to honor Val Kilmer following his passing at the age of 65.
The beloved California native, known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman, and Heat, passed away due to pneumonia on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his daughter Mercedes to the Associated Press.
Mercedes revealed that Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but had later managed to recover.
As news of the actor’s death spread, heartfelt tributes poured in, with Josh Brolin, star of No Country For Old Men, among the first to share his reminiscences.
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Watch: Val Kilmer in his most iconic roles
On Instagram, Brolin expressed his sentiments: “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, incredibly 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, I’ll cherish amazing memories and lovely thoughts.”
Kyle MacLachlan, who appeared alongside Kilmer in the 1991 film The Doors, shared his tribute on social media: “You’ll always be my Jim. See you on the other side, my friend.”
Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in the classic Heat, also expressed his condolences in a statement: “I always marveled at the depth and brilliant variability Val possessed in expressing characters.”
“After years of Val fighting through illness and holding on to his spirit, this news is profoundly sad.”
Danny Trejo, who starred with Kilmer in Heat, referred to him as “a great actor, a wonderful person, and a dear friend” on Instagram.
Cher, who previously had a romantic relationship with Kilmer, conveyed her thoughts on X, stating, “U Were Funny, crazy, pain in the ass, GREAT FRIEND… BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness.”
Francis Ford Coppola, a lifelong friend and director of Twixt, remarked: “Val Kilmer was the most talented actor back in high school, and his talent only grew throughout his life.”
“He was a joy to work with and a wonderful person to know – I will always cherish my memories of him.”
The official Top Gun account on X also expressed their condolences, remembering Kilmer as Iceman in both the original 1986 film and its 2022 sequel, emphasizing his “indelible cinematic mark across genres and generations”.
Nicolas Cage shared his thoughts, stating, “I always appreciated Val and I’m saddened by the news of his passing.” He added, “I thought he was a genius actor. I relished working with him on Bad Lieutenant and admired his commitment and sense of humor. He deserved an Oscar for The Doors.”
