Val Kilmer’s passing is being mourned by fellow performers, industry professionals, fans, and his family.
According to his daughter Mercedes, Kilmer passed away on April 1 at the age of 65 due to pneumonia.
The acclaimed actor, famous for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, as well as his portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. Although he recovered after two tracheotomies, his vocal cords were severely damaged. *Val*, a 2021 documentary that received critical acclaim, chronicled his career and health struggles through a vast collection of footage, narrated by his son, Jack. TIME film critic Stephanie Zacharek noted in a that the documentary “draws us deep into the life and career of a bold and sometimes headstrong performer” and presents “a portrait of an actor who poured his all into his work.”
Kilmer was once considered difficult to collaborate with. However, some argued that he was simply dedicated to his craft, which included television, theater, poetry, and memoir. Film critic Roger Ebert said of Kilmer in 1992, “if there is an award for the most unsung leading man of his generation, Kilmer should get it.”
Since the announcement of Kilmer’s death, tributes have been flooding in from Hollywood friends, coworkers, and admirers.
Actor Josh Brolin on Instagram, “Goodbye, friend. I will miss you. You were an intelligent, challenging, brave, and extremely creative person. There aren’t many like you left. I hope to see you in heaven someday. Until then, wonderful memories and pleasant thoughts.”
Filmmaker Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in the 1995 film Heat, told the Hollywood Reporter, “After so many years of Val fighting illness and keeping his spirits up, this is extremely sad news.” He added that he was “always amazed by Val’s range, the brilliant variety within the powerful current of his possessing and expressing character.”
The official Top Gun movie account on X posted, “Remembering Val Kilmer, who left an unforgettable cinematic legacy spanning genres and generations. RIP Iceman,” referencing Kilmer’s popular character from the film series.
Visual effects studio Industrial Light & Magic, which contributed to the 1988 film Willow, shared a picture of Kilmer in his role as Madmartigan. The studio posted on Threads, “We are very saddened to hear about the death of our friend and colleague, Val Kilmer. Val established himself as one of the best through his memorable performances as Madmartigan, Iceman, Doc Holliday, and Jim Morrison. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Lucasfilm executive Pablo Hidalgo on BlueSky, “Oh man, not Val Kilmer. His comedic chops were top notch but he had a fascinating storm roiling beneath the surface.”
Author Don Winslow called Kilmer a “brilliant actor and a good man” in a tribute on X.
Richard Roeper, a film critic, stated that Kilmer deserved nominations for his performances in Heat and the 1993 western Tombstone. “He was a remarkable presence in some of his generation’s most iconic films. Rest in peace. Thank you for the incredible work,” Roeper posted on X.
Bill Simmons, the founder of The Ringer, a sports and pop culture website, posted on X: “There wasn’t anyone quite like Val Kilmer. I really enjoyed his work. RIP.”
Actor Josh Gad shared an Instagram post saying, “Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”