Val Kilmer: A Beloved Icon Remembered After Passing at 65
Val Kilmer has died at 65, prompting heartfelt tributes from celebrities including Josh Brolin and Ralph Fiennes. His battle with throat cancer affected his voice, but pneumonia claimed him. Kilmer’s legacy includes iconic roles in movies like Top Gun and Tombstone, and he will be missed by many.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the beloved actor Val Kilmer has passed away at the age of 65, leaving a big, I mean really big, hole in Hollywood. Known for his memorable roles in classics like Batman Forever and Top Gun, Kilmer had been battling cancer for years, impacting his ability to speak. Sadly, pneumonia is what took him, according to his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer. A true tragedy.
Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer’s star had risen, partly thanks to an early acting career alongside fellow superstar Kevin Spacey. He headed to Juilliard at the tender age of 17, where he rubbed shoulders with future stars like Kevin Bacon. Everything was going well until that pesky throat cancer diagnosis hit in 2014 while he was chilling in Malibu. “I prayed, and that was my form of treatment,” he said in a 2020 interview, showing both his strength and resilience.
His comeback as Iceman in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick really tugged at the heartstrings of many, especially when he had to act through his real-life speaking struggles alongside Tom Cruise. It was poetic, in a way—two friends navigating the skies once again, albeit under less than perfect circumstances.
A slew of heartfelt tributes have poured in since news of his death broke, many from familiar faces. Ralph Fiennes, who worked with Kilmer on The Prince of Egypt, shared a simple but poignant message on X, stating, “Val Kilmer rest in peace.” You can feel the sadness just oozing out of those words.
Matthew Modine reminisced about a lucky encounter they had back in 1985 that led to his casting in Full Metal Jacket, saying, “Thanks, Val. [prayer and peace sign emojis] (sic)”. It’s always those little, unexpected moments that change the game. Meanwhile, Josh Brolin posted a selfie of them together, expressing how much he would miss Kilmer, calling him a “smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.” Sounds like a blast, doesn’t it?
Josh Gad chimed in as well, saying, “Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon. valkilmer.” No argument there! James Woods noted Kilmer’s standout performance as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, calling it something every actor dreams of achieving. High praise, indeed.
Further tributes reflected on Kilmer’s extensive career, with screenwriter Brian Lynch listing classics like Real Genius and True Romance among Kilmer’s achievements. It’ll be a while before another actor like him comes along, that’s for sure.
Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in Heat, expressed his admiration for Kilmer’s range, noting how he maintained his spirit throughout his battle with illness. Emphasis on spirit, because it seems Kilmer had heaps of it, through both triumphs and tribulations.
Lastly, the official X account for Top Gun remembered him with a touching nod to his character, the iconic Iceman, stating, “RIP Iceman.” It’s clear that Val Kilmer left a legacy that will not soon be forgotten—an impact on cinema, and on the hearts of those who loved him.
Val Kilmer’s passing has evoked an outpouring of grief and nostalgia from not just his fans but from fellow actors who admired him. His talent was irrefutable, with iconic roles that shaped many childhoods. Known as a creative force, he will be missed but certainly remembered—a true testament to the cinematic world he helped create. From Top Gun to Tombstone, his legacy will fly high. Rest easy, Iceman!
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
