‘I’m going to miss you’: Ron Howard, Josh Brolin, Ralph Fiennes, and more say goodbye to Val Kilmer

Hollywood is mourning the death of Val Kilmer, the talented and charming actor who died at age 65 from pneumonia. Many actors and directors who worked with him have taken to social media to share their grief and respect, describing him as both creatively energetic and exceptionally gifted.

Ron Howard, who directed Kilmer in Willow and The Missing, praised Kilmer’s “awesome range,” on X, highlighting his performances in Willow, The Doors, and The Missing as examples of his diverse talents. Howard urged everyone to explore Kilmer’s extensive body of work, noting that Kilmer’s creativity also included poetry, art, and filmmaking.

Josh Brolin paid tribute on Instagram, calling Kilmer a “smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.” Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in Heat, talked to The Hollywood Reporter about Kilmer’s “brilliant variability” and expressed sadness over his passing after a long struggle with illness. These touching messages were followed by many tweets from others.

Val Kilmer’s legacy honored by friends and colleagues

The official Top Gun X account remembered Kilmer’s “indelible cinematic mark,” referring to him as “Iceman.” Matthew Modine used an X post to credit a chance encounter with Kilmer for his role in Full Metal Jacket. Ralph Fiennes offered a simple “rest in peace” on X while Film at Lincoln Center noted Kilmer’s early success as the youngest drama student ever admitted to Juilliard. The X post showed Kilmer in black and white, stretching in a class.

These tweets, alongside posts from outlets like Entertainment Tonight and Good Morning America, painted a picture of a respected and beloved actor whose contributions to film will be long remembered. The outpouring of grief demonstrated the widespread impact of his career and the affection he held within the industry.

Kilmer’s career spanned several decades, beginning with his early work in off-Broadway theater before he made the jump to Hollywood in the 1980s. His breakthrough role came when he played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the hit movie Top Gun in 1986, which made him a global star. He followed this with various memorable roles that showcased his acting skills. His portrayal of the charming swordsman Madmartigan in Ron Howard’s fantasy film Willow demonstrated his comedic timing and charisma.

In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, which affected his ability to speak during treatment. He remained resilient, documenting his journey in his 2021 documentary Val, where he shared insights about his career and life. Despite the challenges of his illness, he returned to acting for his final credited role, reprising his Top Gun character Iceman in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. Kilmer is survived by his children, Jack and Mercedes, with whom he had a close relationship throughout his life.