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Val Kilmer, the beloved actor known for his versatility and unforgettable performances in classics like Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. His passing has left a profound impact across the film industry, with friends, co-stars, and fans remembering him as a magnetic performer and a courageous soul.
Among the first to pay tribute was Jim Carrey, Kilmer’s co-star from the 1995 superhero blockbuster Batman Forever. In a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE on April 2, Carrey said,
“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.”
Carrey, who famously portrayed the Riddler opposite Kilmer’s Batman, continued,
“His artistic achievements were rivaled only by the grace and courage with which he lived his life.”
Val Kilmer’s talents extended far beyond live-action films. He voiced Moses in DreamWorks’ acclaimed animated epic The Prince of Egypt (1998), showcasing his range and spiritual depth as an actor.
Meanwhile, the Top Gun family also shared their grief. Anthony Edwards, who portrayed Goose alongside Kilmer’s iconic Iceman, honored his late co-star, saying:
“Val created work that touched and reached out to many people through many mediums. Hoping he is at peace.”
Jennifer Connelly, who starred in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), shared a nostalgic tribute on Instagram Stories with a photo of Kilmer, captioned simply:
“RIP to our forever Iceman.”
Danny Ramirez, who joined the franchise in Maverick, also expressed his sorrow:
“Val Kilmer was nothing but kind, joyous, and playful. I’m lucky I got to share the screen with him.”
Val Kilmer’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Hollywood—from his dramatic flair in The Doors and Tombstone, to his superhero turn in Batman Forever, and his moving return in Top Gun: Maverick, despite his health struggles. His courage in facing throat cancer and chronic illness in recent years only further cemented his status as a Hollywood legend.
He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, artistry, and unforgettable characters.