Hollywood Honors “Top Gun” Star Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer, the “uber-creative firecracker,” has been honored by Josh Brolin.

The actor from “Top Gun” died on Tuesday, April 1, at the age of 65. In a heartfelt ode to the star, his pal mentioned his lifelong love for author Mark Twain, whom Val portrayed twice in the film and theater piece “Citizen Twain.”

On Instagram, Josh wrote: “See ya, buddy. You will be missed. You were a brilliant, fearless, daring, and extremely imaginative firebrand. Those are becoming scarce. When I finally reach the sky, I hope to meet you there. Till then, wonderful thoughts and recollections.

Filmmaker Michael Mann said that it was “tremendously sad” that his “Heat” star had passed away from pneumonia after battling throat cancer.

“While working with Val on Heat, I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character,” he said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. This is very heartbreaking news after Val has fought illness and kept his morale high for so many years.

In a tribute to the late actor, the official X account for “Top Gun” used his character name from the 1986 blockbuster film, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky.

“Remembering Val Kilmer, whose enduring cinematic influence transcended genres and generations,” they wrote on social media. Rest in peace, Iceman.

Matthew Modine conveyed his appreciation for Val’s assistance throughout his professional life.

He wrote: “RIP Val Kilmer” on X. I might not have been cast in FULL METAL JACKET if it weren’t for our fortuitous meeting at the Source in 1985. Regards, Val. [Emojis of the peace sign and prayer] (sic)
Josh Gad called the actor from “Doors” “an icon.”

On Instagram, he posted: “Val Kilmer, rest in peace.” I appreciate you categorizing so many of my favorite childhood films. You were a real icon.

Screenwriter Brian Lynch of “Secret Life of Pets” thought back on Val’s extensive body of work.

“The Doors,” he wrote on Bluesky. Top Secret! Tombstone. Top Gun. 

True genius. Willow. Batman Forever. Kiss, Kiss, Bang Bang. Real romance. Macgruber. Warmth. No one was like Val Kilmer. I hope he finds peace.

A iconic scene from “Heat,” where Val and Ashley Judd’s characters contact for the last time, has been shared by several social media users.

In a caption, “Nobody 2” director Timo Tjahjanto wrote: “A masterful exercise in saying nothing and expressing everything.” I hope you rest in peace.