Actor Val Kilmer, a star with an impressive resume of films such as both the original Top Gun and its marvelous sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, died on Tuesday, April 1 in Los Angeles, at the age of 65, surrounded by loved ones.
As a veteran of a long list of major Hollywood films, Kilmer's many colleagues and friends sent moving tributes to him. Among the names included Michael Mann, Francis Ford Coppola, and Jim Carrey. Kilmer was truly a titan of the industry for much of the 1980's and 1990's: with his launch to stardom as the intimidating Ice Man in Top Gun. He further cemented his fame and talent by playing rock star Jim Morrison in 1991's The Doors, and then by taking part in the now-classic western film Tombstone of 1993. Then, joining Michael Mann's 1995 masterpiece, Heat, took his career to new heights. And who can forget his role as the voice of Moses in 1998's classic, The Prince of Egypt? These films alone are an impressive addition to the magic of cinema.
The death of Kilmer was perhaps coming for a long time, as the actor had been struggling with throat cancer for several years. This illness was so present in his life that it was featured in his character's cameo in Top Gun: Maverick, where Ice Man (played by Kilmer) has a touching reunion with his former rival, Maverick (Tom Cruise). This scene is a reminder of the beauty of acting: how Kilmer's real-life pain was channeled into one of his finest scenes ever.
I'm Batman
Kids of the 1990s will perhaps remember him mostly as the dapper Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever, which famously saw the Dark Knight take on a much lighter and less serious tone than previous iterations. While the 1995 flick has often been regarded as one of the weaker Batman films, it is worth remembering the challenge that Kilmer faced in this role. He had succeeded Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader, which was no easy task for any actor at the time. And while the film may not be the finest of the series, his presentation of the confident and suave Bruce Wayne was truly one for the ages. Arguments aside, Batman Forever is still a solid piece of entertainment.
Kilmer was also known for his challenging persona and work methods as much as for his diverse acting portfolio. In his moving 2021 documentary, Kilmer famously said: "I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some.... And I am blessed." He was indeed blessed, not only for being a great movie star but also for being the youngest student ever accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School at the time. Perhaps we, the movie-goers are the blessed ones.
Rest in peace, Val. You will truly be missed.