Hollywood is mourning the death of Top Gun and Willow star Val Kilmer at the age of 65.
He had battled throat cancer, which robbed him of his voice, for more than a decade.
"Val Kilmer was the most talented actor when in his High School, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life. He was a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know -- I will always remember him," director Francis Ford Coppola posted on Instagram.
"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," filmmaker Michael Mann said. "After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news."
"See ya, pal. I'm going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker," actor Josh Brolin said. "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.""Val Kilmer should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for 'Tombstone' and for 'Heat,' critic Richard Roeper wrote on X. "He was a brilliant presence in some of the most enduring films of his generation. Rest well. Thank you for the incredible work."
"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," actor Matthew Modine said. "Thanks, Val."
"All of a sudden, a sixties convertible came screeching up, blaring Doors Music at top volume. And a guy jumped out and strode inside: He had wild hair and he was barefoot, shirtless, and wearing nothing but a pair of tight leather pants. We all looked at each other like... Who is this guy? We were more than a little shook by the sheer audacity of his entrance. Well of course it was Val Kilmer and from that minute on, nobody else stood a chance. Rip King."
"His rendition of Doc Holliday in Tombstone was what every actor dreams of achieving. So many wonderful performances," said James Woods. "Sad to lose him so soon. RIP Val Kilmer."
"Rest in peace to our former campus mate, the great Val Kilmer (1959-2025), who at 17 was the youngest drama student ever admitted to The Julliard School's Drama Division," the Film at Lincoln Center X account said.