TRIBUTES are pouring in for conic Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, who passed away from pneumonia at the age of 65.
According to online reports, Kilmer's daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed this death to The New York Times on Tuesday, 1 April, but this was no April Fool's joke.
Kilmer's remarkable career spanned several decades, He first captivated audiences in 1986's Top Gun, where he starred alongside Tom Cruise as the charismatic Iceman.
The actor later reprised a similar sense of nostalgia in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick showcasing his continued relevance in Hollywood.
However, when he portrayed Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever, he captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Kilmer's other notable performances include critically acclaimed roles in Tombstone, where he delivered a haunting performance as Doc Holliday, and in comedic gems Top Secret! and Real Genius.
Despite his illustrious career, Kilmer faced a formidable opponent in his personal life. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, and it took a significant toll on his health. Reports suggest that he lost his voice following two tracheotomies and extensive chemotherapy treatments.
Nonetheless, Kilmer was admirably committed to his craft, lending his voice to animated projects such as Moses in The Prince of Egypt as well as various video game titles.
Since the news of Kilmer's death broke, fans have taken to social media to pay tribute.
Fellow Hollywood actor, Josh Brolin, son of James Brolin, 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."
Josh Gad, who voices Olaf in the Frozen franchise, wrote: "RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon. #valkilmer."
The late star is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, from his previous marriage to Joanne Whalley.
