Hollywood stars pay tribute as 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever' actor falls Kilmer dies at 65

His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed his departure and reminded his long struggle with throat cancer, with which he was diagnosed in 2014. Hollywood is in mourning after the death of the veteran actor falls at 65, with top directors and co-stars paying glowing tributes to the legendary artist. Kilmer, known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Heat, died of pneumonia in Los Angeles on Tuesday. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed his departure and reminded his long struggle with throat cancer, with which he was diagnosed in 2014. A tracheotomy changed its voice, but it did not silence his spirit. He made a triumphant return to the screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and reproduced his iconic role as Iceman with Tom Cruise. Film legends who have worked with Kilmer over the years have described him as a power station talent and a complicated, unforgettable figure. Award -winning director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked on Twixt with Kilmer, calls him “a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know it.” Heat director Michael Mann praised his ‘brilliant variability’ and the ability to inhabit characters completely. Ron Howard, who directed Kilmer in Willow, praised his ‘incredible series’ and artistic vision above the acting – which pointed to his poetry, paintings and filmmaking. Former Kilmer girlfriend’s singer Cher offered an unfiltered performance: “Funny, crazy, dear pain, good friend.” She also praised his courage in the face of illness. He was born Val Edward Kilmer on December 31, 1959 in Los Angeles and was a wonderful child from the beginning. At 17, he became the youngest student who was included in Juilliard’s prestigious drama program. His big break came in 1984’s top secret! But it was Top Gun (1986) who cemented his place in Hollywood. He played Iceman, Maverick’s cool, calculated competitor and gave one of the most memorable performances of the film. From there, he adopted diverse, claiming roles: Rock legend Jim Morrison in the Doors (1991), The Deadly Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), and a Master Thief in Heat (1995). Co-stars remember Kilmer’s intensity, unpredictability and generosity. British actor David Thewlis, who worked with him on the island of Dr Moreau, calls him “one of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever met.” Josh Brolin said Kilmer was “a smart, challenging, brave, uber-eating fire worker.” James Woods paid tribute to his legendary actions in Tombstone, saying: “His version of Doc Holliday was what every actor dreams of achieving.” Although illness has cut short his career, Kilmer’s impact on the film remains unmistakable. His legacy is one of daring choices, uncompromising performances and a relentless pursuit of artistry. “Bon voyage, fall,” Ron Howard wrote. “And thank you.”