Hollywood stars pay tribute to 'brave' Val Kilmer in emotional posts after his death at 65

Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Val Kilmer: Tributes Pour In for ‘Batman Forever’ and ‘Heat’ Star

Hollywood is in mourning following the death of Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Batman Forever and Heat. The news of his passing at the age of 65 shocked fellow stars and fans alike, prompting an outpouring of tributes for the beloved performer. Kilmer, who battled throat cancer for years, passed away in Los Angeles from pneumonia, according to reports. Celebrities and colleagues are sharing heartfelt messages and memories, celebrating his impactful career and unique talent.

Celebrity Tributes Led by Josh Brolin

Among the first to honor Kilmer was his friend and fellow actor, Josh Brolin. Brolin shared a poignant throwback photograph of the pair, taken before Kilmer’s 2014 tracheotomy due to throat cancer.

‘See ya, pal,’ Brolin wrote in a touching caption, expressing his sorrow and affection. ‘I’m going to miss you.’ He lauded Kilmer as a ‘smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker,’ lamenting the rarity of such individuals. Brolin concluded his tribute with hopeful words of reunion in ‘the heavens,’ cherishing ‘amazing memories, lovely thoughts.’

Remembering Kilmer’s Iconic Roles

While it’s noted that Kilmer and Brolin never collaborated on film, the shared photo subtly highlighted Kilmer’s appreciation for music, with Brolin wearing a Bob Dylan shirt. Kilmer himself was a known admirer of the legendary singer-songwriter. In a 2013 interview, Kilmer recounted a memorable, albeit awkward, encounter with Dylan, where the musician requested Kilmer recite lines from Tombstone, a request Kilmer playfully deflected by asking Dylan to sing ‘Blowin’ In The Wind.’

Kilmer’s diverse career spanned numerous memorable performances, including:

• Iceman in Top Gun (1986)
• Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995)
• Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991)
• Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993)
• Chris Shiherlis in Heat (1995)

Colleagues Reflect on Kilmer’s Talent and Legacy

Matthew Modine acknowledged Kilmer’s influence on his own career, stating he might not have been cast in FULL METAL JACKET without a ‘chance encounter’ with Kilmer in 1985. James Woods praised Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone as an actor’s dream achievement, recognizing his numerous ‘wonderful performances.’

Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in Heat, released a statement via The Hollywood Reporter, expressing deep sadness. Mann admired Kilmer’s ‘range’ and ‘brilliant variability’ in portraying character, especially during their work on Heat. He noted the ‘tremendously sad news’ after Kilmer’s years-long battle with illness.

Further Tributes from the Entertainment World

Josh Gad, Jorma Taccone, and Bill Simmons also joined the chorus of tributes on social media platforms. Gad shared a nostalgic photo of Kilmer from Top Gun, thanking him for shaping his childhood movie experiences and calling him an ‘icon.’ Taccone of The Lonely Island simply wrote ‘love you, Val’ on X (formerly Twitter), while Simmons posted a photo seemingly from the set of Heat, expressing admiration for Kilmer’s unique presence and work.

Film critic Richard Roeper championed Kilmer’s performances in Tombstone and Heat, suggesting he deserved Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for both films, highlighting his ‘brilliant presence’ in generation-defining movies.

Sasha Grey recognized Kilmer as an ‘absolute legend,’ acknowledging his iconic roles. Crime novelist Don Winslow shared a still from Heat, calling Kilmer a ‘brilliant actor and a good man.’ Sports journalist Jemele Hill noted the ‘terrible news’ and recalled favorite scenes from Tombstone, underscoring Kilmer’s widespread impact.

Kilmer’s Battle with Throat Cancer

Val Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his passing. The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, undergoing surgery and a tracheotomy that significantly impaired his speaking ability. Despite being declared cancer-free later, the treatments left lasting effects. He faced these challenges with resilience, making a celebrated return in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), despite his altered voice.

In his documentary, Val, Kilmer openly discussed the realities of living with throat cancer’s aftermath, including using a voice box to communicate. He candidly spoke about the daily obstacles, such as choosing between breathing and eating due to a feeding tube.

Kilmer’s Lasting Impact on Hollywood

Prior to his health challenges, Val Kilmer was a leading figure in 1990s Hollywood. Known for roles like Iceman and Batman, he navigated a career marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. While sometimes labeled as ‘temperamental’ or ‘demanding’, Kilmer defended his approach as ‘challenging’ and ‘perfectionistic’, traits often associated with his dedicated performances.

His film debut was in the comedy Top Secret! (1984), followed by Real Genius (1985), before Top Gun catapulted him to stardom. His return in Top Gun: Maverick was particularly poignant. After Kilmer mentioned in a 2013 interview that he hadn’t been approached for a sequel, Tom Cruise reportedly advocated for his inclusion, ensuring Iceman’s return to the screen. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer affirmed Cruise’s insistence on Kilmer’s participation.

Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors and Doc Holliday in Tombstone remain career highlights. His role in Heat and Batman Forever further solidified his place in cinematic history, despite mixed critical reception for the latter. Though Joel Schumacher described him as ‘psychologically troubled’, Kilmer’s dedication to his craft and impactful performances are undeniable, evidenced by the outpouring of grief and admiration following his death.

Kilmer is survived by his children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer.