Val Kilmer, the American actor, passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. Kilmer was known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, among others. His death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the film industry, with directors and actors praising his talent and legacy.

Kilmer's career spanned over four decades, with notable roles in films such as Willow, Tombstone, and Heat. He was also a talented artist and poet, and had released a documentary about his life and career in 2021. Despite struggling with throat cancer and undergoing tracheotomy surgery, Kilmer continued to act, including a cameo appearance in the 2022 sequel to Top Gun.

Early Life and Career

Val Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles. He began his acting career at a young age, attending the Juilliard School in New York City. Kilmer's early roles included appearances in comedies such as Top Secret! and Real Genius, before he landed the role of Iceman in the 1986 film Top Gun.

Kilmer's performance in Top Gun cemented his status as a leading man, and he went on to appear in a range of films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors earned him critical acclaim, and he also appeared in the Western Tombstone and the crime drama Heat.

Legacy and Tributes

Following Kilmer's death, tributes have poured in from the film industry. Directors such as Ron Howard and Francis Ford Coppola have praised Kilmer's talent and dedication to his craft, while actors such as Cher and Josh Brolin have remembered him as a kind and generous colleague.

Kilmer's legacy extends beyond his film career, with his art and poetry also earning him recognition. His documentary, Val, released in 2021, provided a unique insight into his life and career, and has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability.