Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times.
Soon after it was announced, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Jennifer Tilly posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, paying tribute to the actor.
“A long time ago, I was auditioning for the movie “The Doors” It was kind of a cattle call. They paired together potential Jims with potential Pamela‘s. And they were running behind so we were spilling out of the casting office, sitting on the porch, the lawn, and the driveway. 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,” Tilly wrote.
“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,” she continued.
The role of Jim Morrison’s girlfriend in the “The Doors” biopic ultimately went to Meg Ryan, but this is a memory Tilly will always get to cherish.
Many Celebrities Pen Touching Tributes to Val Kilmer
Josh Brolin: “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. ❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔💎 #valkilmer #marktwain
Matthew Modine: 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. Thanks, Val. 🙏☮️”
Ron Howard: “#RIPValKilmer I was incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Val a number of times over the years. As the off beat swordsman #Madmartagen in #Willow , his stunning #JimMorrison in Oliver Stone’s #TheDoors & in a chilling cameo in #TheMissing. I list these titles because even my own personal creative experiences reflect his awesome range as an actor. Check out his filmography. Amazing. His art extended to his poetry, artworks, filmmaking and simply the way he lived. Bon Voyage, Val And thank you.”
Josh Gad: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon. #valkilmer”
Michael Mann: “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. After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news,” he said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.
Nicolas Cage: “I always liked Val and am sad to hear of his passing. I thought he was a genius actor. I enjoyed working with him on Bad Lieutenant and I admired his commitment and sense of humor. He should have won the Oscar for The Doors,” he said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.
Francis Ford Coppola: “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.”
Michelle Monaghan: “A kind, curious, committed, rebellious, and radical gent. I learned from one of the greats. An artist through and through. I treasured my time with you.❤️Godspeed buddy. #vakilmer”
Official Top Gun Account: “Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman.”
Joe Manganiello: “He was one of the main reasons I wanted to become an actor and why I felt it was so important for me to seek out classical training. He could do it all… drama, comedy, classical… He was great with a sword, a gun, a fighter jet, or a shot cup. Then on top of all of that, he could sing… case in point: for most of my life when I tried to picture Jim Morrison, I could only see him. His performances were brave and intelligent, and he showed me that you didn’t always have to be the star in order to make the most impact. If the situation presented itself, you could take a tiny, nothing part on paper and elevate it into a scene stealer. Oh, and he got to be Batman. RIP to one of the all time greats…”
Fans Show Support To Val Kilmer’s Daughter on Instagram
Mercedes Kilmer’s last post on Instagram was a black-and-white photo of herself, promoting an event she was part of a Zebulon Café Concert in Los Angeles on March 4.
But after it was revealed that her father had passed away, fans have left numerous comments.
“Sending you and your family. much love,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“Sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family much love from Brazil. A great actor who made part of my childhood. Gratitude 🙏🏻❤️,” another fan said.
“So sorry. You’re dad was…. IS AN AMAZING MAN. Pray for Him,” someone commented.
“I’m so sorry, really I’m shaken by these horrible loss, may your father and superhero of us be with god and Rest In Peace, will be missed and his heritage and legacy in cinema will be remembered… Mercedes, sending you hugs and am always here for you. My deepest condolences,” another person wrote.
