Josh Brolin has paid tribute to “uber-creative firecracker” Val Kilmer.
The ‘Top Gun’ actor passed away on Tuesday (01.04.25) at the age of 65 and his friend has paid a touching tribute to the star, in which he referenced his life-long passion for author Mark Twain, who Val played twice on screen and in theatre production ‘Citizen Twain’.
Josh wrote on Instagram: “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts. [alternating heart and broken heart emojis, diamond emoji] #valkilmer #marktwain (sic)”
Filmmaker Michael Mann admitted the passing of his ‘Heat’ actor – who died from pneumonia having previously battled throat cancer – was “tremendously sad”.
He told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement: “While working with Val on Heat I 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.”
The official X account for ‘Top Gun’ shared a tribute to the late actor, referring to him by his character name, Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky, from the 1986 classic movie.
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They posted: “Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman.”
Matthew Modine expressed his gratitude for the help Val had given him in his career.
He posted on X: “RIP Val Kilmer. If it wasn’t for our chance encounter at the Source in 1985, I may never have been cast in FULL METAL JACKET. Thanks, Val. [prayer and peace sign emojis] (sic)”
Josh Gad hailed the ‘Doors’ actor “an icon”.
He wrote on Instagram: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
‘Secret Life of Pets’ screenwriter Brian Lynch reflected on Val’s lengthy filmography.
He wrote on Bluesky: “The Doors. Top Secret! Tombstone. Top Gun. Real Genius. Willow. Batman Forever. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. True Romance. Macgruber. Heat. There was nobody like Val Kilmer. May he Rest in Peace.”
A number of social media users have shared a famous scene from ‘Heat’, in which Val and Ashley Judd’s characters interact for the final time.
‘Nobody 2’ filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto added in a caption: “A masterpiece exercise in saying nothing and expressing everything. Rest in Peace truly.”
