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Family of Val Kilmer Issues Statement Following Passing
The family of the esteemed actor, Val Kilmer, has released a statement expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support and remembrance after his recent death. The relatives of the Batman Forever icon conveyed their sentiments to People magazine on Thursday, April 3rd, acknowledging the public’s response.
“Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory,” the statement began. “We are so proud of him and honored to witness his celebrated legacy. At this time, we respectfully request privacy as we grieve,” they further stated.
Details Surrounding Kilmer’s Death
Val Kilmer passed away due to pneumonia on Tuesday, April 1st, at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news of his death to The New York Times. She also mentioned that he had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but had since recovered from the illness.
Kilmer’s Surviving Family
Kilmer is survived by his daughter Mercedes, aged 33, and his son Jack, aged 29. He shared both children with his former wife, Joanne Whalley. Their marriage lasted from 1988 to 1996.
Hollywood Remembers a Legend
Renowned for his iconic performances in films such as Batman Forever and Top Gun, Val Kilmer is being fondly remembered by numerous figures in Hollywood, including his longtime friend and Top Gun co-star, Tom Cruise.
Tom Cruise Pays Tribute to Val Kilmer
Tom Cruise, aged 62, offered a heartfelt tribute to Kilmer during his appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Thursday. He conveyed his deep admiration for the late actor’s body of work.
“I’d like to take a moment to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise stated to the audience. “I truly admired his performances.”
Cruise then invited the audience to join him in a moment of silence in remembrance of Kilmer. “Let us all take a moment to reflect on the wonderful times we shared with him – let’s just have a moment,” he requested before concluding, “I wish you well on your onward journey.”
Revisiting the Top Gun Legacy
Cruise and Kilmer famously played rival aviators Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 1986 cinematic hit, Top Gun. In a memorable cinematic moment, Kilmer reprised his role in a cameo appearance alongside Cruise in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, marking his final performance on screen.
Cruise Reflects on Reunion with Kilmer
Earlier, in February 2023, Cruise spoke about the emotional impact of reuniting with Kilmer on screen for the sequel.
“I just have to say, that moment was truly emotional,” Cruise recounted during a past appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “Having known Val for decades, and for him to return to portray that character once more… he is such a powerful performer that he instantly embodied that character again.”
Kilmer on Reprising the Role of Iceman
Kilmer himself had previously shared with People in 2022 that revisiting his role as Iceman felt “like reconnecting with a cherished old friend.”
“The characters never truly disappear,” he elaborated. “They remain dormant, waiting to be awakened. If you’ll excuse the jest.”