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Val Kilmer death latest: Jim Carrey, Nicolas Cage and Cher lead tributes to Top Gun and Batman Forever star
Hollywood actor, known for his intense performances and iconic roles, dies of pneumonia
Celebrated Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his intense performances and iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and Heat, died of pneumonia, his daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed.
The American actor, also famed for his performances in Willow, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Tombstone and as Jim Morrison in The Doors, died at the age of 65.
Kilmer rose to stardom in the 1980s and 1990s, earning a reputation for his dedication to his craft as well as on-set tensions with directors and co-stars.
“When certain people criticise me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well,” he told the Orange County Register in 2003. “I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”
His breakthrough came with the 1984 comedy Top Secret! and the sci-fi comedy Real Genius (1985), but it was his portrayal of “Iceman” in Top Gun (1986) that cemented his star status. Decades later, he reprised the role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) alongside Tom Cruise in what would be his final film.
Kilmer also took on the challenging role of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), using his own singing voice for the film.
He was married to British actress Joanne Whalley, his co-star in Willow (1988). The couple had two children before divorcing.
Jennifer Tilly recalls memorable 'The Doors' audition
Posting on X, Tilly remembered: “A long time ago, I was auditioning for the movie The Doors. It was kind of a cattle call. They paired together potential Jims with potential Pamela‘s. And they were running behind so we were spilling out of the casting office, sitting on the porch, the lawn, and the driveway. All of a sudden, a sixties convertible came screeching up, blaring Doors Music at top volume. And a guy jumped out and strode inside: He had wild hair and he was barefoot, shirtless, and wearing nothing but a pair of tight leather pants. We all looked at each other like… Who is this guy? We were more than a little shook by the sheer audacity of his entrance. Well of course it was Val Kilmer and from that minute on, nobody else stood a chance. Rip King.”
Jim Carrey says Kilmer showed 'grace and courage'
In a statement to USA Today, Carrey said of his Batman Forever co-star: “I'm remembering Val Kilmer today with great admiration for him as a man and as a generational talent who left us an enviable legacy of indelible acting performances.
“His greatest artistic achievements were rivaled only by the grace and courage with which he endured his life's most challenging moments. Wishing his family so much love."
Val Kilmer was a real-life superhero
On a personal note, I thought Val Kilmer was a superhero from the first time I laid eyes on him... here’s my memories of growing up watching the star, and how he turned out to be an inspiring human being too:
Val Kilmer Forever: How the actor turned out to be a superhero in real life too
Michael Douglas says Kilmer's legacy will live forever
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In a post on Instagram, Douglas wrote: “RIP Val Kilmer. It was an honor working with Val on The Ghost and the Darkness nearly 30 years ago. Val will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on forever in the films and performances he so brilliantly shared with us.”
The White Lotus star calls Kilmer a 'radical gent'
In a tribute posted to Instagram, The White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan remembered her Kiss Kiss Bang Bang co-star Kilmer as: “A kind, curious, committed, rebellious, and radical gent. I learned from one of the greats. An artist through and through. I treasured my time with you.❤️Godspeed buddy.”
Nicolas Cage says his 'Bad Lieutenant' co-star should have won an Oscar
In a statement, Nicolas Cage says: “I always liked Val and am sad to hear of his passing. I thought he was a genius actor. I enjoyed working with him on Bad Lieutenant and I admired his commitment and sense of humor. He should have won the Oscar for The Doors."
Danny Trejo calls Kilmer a 'dear friend'
Danny Trejo, who starred alongside Kilmer in Michael Mann’s 1995 classic Heat, wrote on social media: “Val Kilmer was a great actor, a wonderful person, and a dear friend of mine. May you rest in peace.”
Kilmer had been set to appear at Beverly Hills Film Festival on the day he died
Val Kilmer had been expected to attend a screening of the documentary American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective at the Beverly Hills Film Festival on the day he died.
“It was a shock to find this out. We had just confirmed Val to attend the West Coast Premiere of American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective this past weekend,” Nino Simone, Beverly Hills Film Festival president and founder, told People.
"[Kilmer] was thrilled to come out in support of his friend [Madsen]. I know PR was on the phone, trying to get a hold of the driver, bringing Val for his 7:30pm red carpet arrival. The story and news of his death were reported literally at the same, exact time. Unbelievable, and so heart-breaking. Our hearts go out to his family.”
Stephen Merchant shares hilarious Kilmer clip
The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant shared a clip of Val Kilmer poking fun at himself in Life’s Too Short, writing: “Despite a combative reputation, Val Kilmer was great fun to work with on Life’s Too Short, always willing to be playful and self-deprecating. I got to know him socially too, and he was as engaging as he was eccentric. A true one-off. RIP Val”
Kyle MacLachlan remembers his 'Jim'
Kyle MacLachlan, who played keyboardist Ray Manzarek alongside Kilmer as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s music biopic The Doors writes on Instagram: “You’ll always be my Jim. See you on the other side my friend. ❤️”
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