Additional Coverage:
- Celebrities are paying tribute to ‘Top Gun’ star Val Kilmer after his death: ‘Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood’ (businessinsider.com)
Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Val Kilmer
The entertainment world is grieving the loss of iconic actor Val Kilmer, who passed away Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. His daughter confirmed to the New York Times that the cause of death was pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, and though he recovered, the required tracheostomy permanently altered his voice.
Kilmer captivated audiences with memorable roles in a string of hit films, including “Top Gun” (1986), “The Doors” (1991), and “Batman Forever” (1995). News of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends and colleagues across social media.
Actor Josh Brolin shared a touching message on Instagram, remembering Kilmer as a “smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.” Filmmaker Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in the 1995 crime drama “Heat,” also posted a tribute, expressing his admiration for Kilmer’s range and powerful on-screen presence.
Josh Gad, known for voicing Olaf in Disney’s “Frozen,” thanked Kilmer for “defining so many of the movies of my childhood,” while Matthew Modine shared an anecdote on X (formerly Twitter) about a chance encounter with Kilmer that ultimately led to Modine being cast in Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket.” Even Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash joined the chorus of mourners, posting a still of Kilmer as Doc Holliday from the 1993 Western “Tombstone.” The tributes paint a picture of a beloved and respected actor whose talent and spirit will be deeply missed.