Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Hollywood Remembers Val Kilmer: Piers Morgan Recalls Touching Moment with ‘Top Gun’ Icon
Tributes pour in for Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor celebrated for his role as Iceman in the Top Gun franchise, following his death at 65. Broadcaster Piers Morgan shared an emotional memory of the late Hollywood star, revealing how Kilmer’s performance in Top Gun: Maverick deeply moved him. News of Kilmer’s passing on Wednesday, April 2nd, prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Piers Morgan’s Social Media Tribute
Morgan, 60, took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to express his condolences. He posted a poignant message acknowledging Kilmer’s extensive career, but emphasizing the significance of his role as Iceman.
His post read: “RIP Val Kilmer, 65. He embodied numerous iconic roles, but for me, he will forever be Iceman. Tom Cruise’s decision to include him in the Top Gun sequel, considering Kilmer’s health condition, was profoundly touching and brought tears to my eyes in the theater.”
Fans and Celebrities Share Condolences
The announcement of Kilmer’s death resonated deeply with admirers and fellow luminaries globally, who promptly conveyed their sympathies and shared personal recollections of the celebrated actor online.
One fan responded to Morgan’s tribute, commenting: “A truly moving scene. Beautifully acted by both actors. RIP.” Another fan enthusiastically added: “Val Kilmer’s legacy is timeless. Iceman remains an enduring icon, and his contributions to cinema are unforgettable. Witnessing him honored in Top Gun was deeply impactful.” A third comment simply stated: “Wow, absolutely devastating.”
Val Kilmer’s Health Battles and Resilience
Val Kilmer faced significant health challenges for several years, having received a diagnosis of throat cancer in 2014. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, informed The New York Times that his death resulted from pneumonia, a lung infection with varying degrees of severity.
Despite these health struggles, Kilmer’s career remained vibrant. He openly discussed his life’s trials in his 2020 memoir, detailing how former partner Cher provided crucial support during his cancer diagnosis and the challenging physical effects of the illness.
Kilmer’s fortitude in the face of disease was further emphasized in a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He acknowledged that his health issues had “taken a toll,” causing shortness of breath and a hoarse voice following a tracheotomy.
Reflection on Faith and Career
Kilmer discussed how undergoing a tracheotomy, along with chemotherapy treatments, aided in his recovery. He also attributed his Christian Scientist faith as a source of considerable solace and strength throughout his difficult period.
Hollywood Pays Homage
Numerous prominent Hollywood figures paid tribute to the esteemed actor. Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Kilmer in the 2011 film Twixt, honored him on Instagram, recognizing his innate talent that continually “grew greater throughout his life.”
Actor Josh Brolin shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo of himself and Kilmer, writing: “You were an intelligent, challenging, brave, and exceptionally creative force. Such individuals are rare. I hope to reunite with you in the heavens eventually.”
Frozen star Josh Gad also commemorated Kilmer, posting a photo of the actor in his iconic “Top Gun” role, with the caption: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for shaping so many movies of my childhood. You were a true icon.”
Danny Ramirez, who appeared with Kilmer in “Top Gun: Maverick,” shared an Instagram story message: “In the brief time I spent with him on set, he was consistently kind, joyful, and playful. I felt privileged to be in his presence.”