Advertisement
Val Kilmer, the talented actor known for his iconic roles, passed away last week at the age of 65 after battling pneumonia. To honor him, Saturday Night Live paid a heartfelt tribute, presenting a special card to the late actor. Kilmer had previously appeared on the SNL stage in 2000 as a host, where he famously parodied his character, Iceman, from Top Gun. He was also joined by the musical guest, U2, during that memorable appearance.
Kilmer’s career spanned decades, but his health battles became more public after he was diagnosed with throat cancer. The surgery he underwent to treat it left him permanently unable to speak, a significant loss for the actor who was known for his powerful voice and versatile roles. His final onscreen appearance was as Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, a touching return to his legendary role.
Known for his versatility, Kilmer portrayed a wide range of characters in films like Tombstone, Batman Forever, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Willow, and Thunderheart, among many others. His talent and contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting legacy.
Following the news of his passing, tributes began pouring in. His longtime co-star from Top Gun, Tom Cruise, shared an emotional tribute at CinemaCon, saying, “I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer. I really can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how honored I was when he joined Top Gun and came back for Top Gun: Maverick.”
Kilmer’s children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, released a statement expressing their grief and the overwhelming recognition their father’s work has received since his passing. They also asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
Val Kilmer’s passing leaves a huge void in the world of cinema, and his work will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.