Val Kilmerhas been honored by Hollywood as tributes pour in following his passing, including those from Michael Mann, Josh Brolin, and many more.Val Kilmer died at 65, the actor best known for roles like Bruce Wayne inBatman Foreverand Doc Holliday inTombstonepassing away in Los Angeles due to pneumonia. The actor had been battling throat cancer since 2015, a fight that forced him to mostly retire from acting. His final acting role was on thecast ofTop Gun: Maverick, briefly returning as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky.
Now, an outpouring of tributes have been released online by a multitude of people across Hollywood mourning his death. These range from fellow actors like Matthew Modine and Josh Brolin, to directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Michael Mann, to even official social media outlets for various movie studios and organizations.All of them honor Kilmer’s life and his dedication to the craft, alongside how wonderful of a person he was. Check out the tributes below:
Jennifer Tillyshared a story about seeing Kilmer for the first time while auditioning forThe Doors, and the impression he left ahead of his audition to play Jim Morrison.
Francis Ford Coppolahonored the actor’s talent, explaining how wonderful it was to work with him.
Matthew Modinecredits Kilmer for getting him cast inFull Metal Jacket, sharing a video describing the story.
James Woodshonors the actor for his role as Doc Holliday inTombstone, alongside his many other memorable performances.
The officialTop Gunaccount posted an image of him as Iceman inTop Gun, honoring his role in the movies.
Josh Brolinposted an image of him and Kilmer, calling him an “uber-creative firecracker” in a lengthy tribute to their friendship.
Josh Gadhonors Kilmer for helping to define his childhood because of his many memorable characters.
Pablo Hidalgopraised the actor’s “comedic chops,” highlighting his role as Madmartigan inWillow.
Timo Tjahjantoposted a clip fromHeat, honoring Kilmer’s role in the movie with a memorable scene.
Blumhousecalled the actor “a cinematic legend,” posting an image in tribute to his passing.
Dylan Park-Pettifordexplained how much of an inspiration Kilmer was throughout his life because of his action roles.
Industrial Light & Magiclisted off multiple memorable roles from his career while honoring his life.
Film at Lincoln Centerhonored their youngest drama student with an old image of him acting.
Speaking withThe Hollywood Reporter, directorMichael Mann expressed his gratefulness to have worked with Kilmer inHeat, praising the actor while mourning his passing. Check out what Mann had to say below:
While working with Val onHeatI always marvelled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character. After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news.
Jerry Ferraratalked about Kilmer’s guest appearance onEntourage, saying he never broke character while on set.
Vincent D’Onofriodescribed how important the actor was both to him and to Hollywood as a whole.
Ralph Fiennespaid tribute to the pair’s voice roles in the animated filmThe Prince of Egypt, where Kilmer portrayed Moses.
What Tributes To Val Kilmer Say About His Career
The Actor Will Forever Be Remembered In Hollywood
Posts from friends to big organizations emphasize how Kilmer’s memorable roles were just one part of his career; the other was the deep connections he made with so many people in the decades he spent acting.
Kilmer’s best movieshave often seen him in action-oriented roles, such as inTombstone,Top Gun, andHeat. However, the actor managed to showcase his diverse abilities across various genres too,such as the crime comedyKiss Kiss Bang Bang, the sci-fi fantasy filmWillow, and the biopicThe Doors. While some of his other memorable roles, likeBatman Forever, are more action-oriented, his roles in other movies proved his diverse abilities as an actor.
Val Kilmer’s Iconic Tombstone Performance Proves His Divisive Superhero Movie Released 2 Years Later Is Misunderstood
Val Kilmer’s time as Batman and Bruce Wayne was severely underrated, and the actor’s earlier work as Doc Holliday in Tombstone proves it.
This is further reflected in the many tributes that have come out after his death,illustrating how important an impact he had on so many people in the industry. Posts from friends to big organizations emphasize howKilmer’s memorable roleswere just one part of his career; the other was the deep connections he made with so many people in the decades he spent acting. It’s clear from the outpouring of love and mourning that he will be forever missed by much of the film industry.
Our Take On The Many Hollywood Tributes To Kilmer’s Life
His Decorated Career & Friendship Is On Display
Kilmer’s memorable movie roles are just the tip of the iceberg for how much his career has impacted Hollywood. It’s clear from the tributes from everyone in the industry that his presence is going to be greatly missed, both because of his memorable career and because he was a good friend. The mourning is a testament to his importance to so many people, all of whom offer kind words in the wake of his passing.
Source: Various (see above)
