Jim Carrey pays tribute to Val Kilmer as he recalls 'Batman Forever' co-star’s ‘courage’ after his death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jim Carrey is reflecting on the life and legacy of his 'Batman Forever' co-star Val Kilmer following the actor’s death at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia.

Kilmer, best known for his roles in 'Top Gun', 'The Doors', and 'Tombstone', left an undeniable mark on Hollywood, and Carrey was among the many who honored his memory.

Jim Carrey pays tribute to  Val Kilmer

On Wednesday, April 2, Jim Carrey shared a statement with the New York Post remembering Kilmer not only as a talented actor but as a man who carried himself with extraordinary strength.

“I’m remembering Val Kilmer today with great admiration for him as a man and as a generational talent who left us an enviable legacy of indelible acting performances,” Carrey wrote. 

Carrey, who recently came out of retirement from acting, reflected on his legacy, saying, “His greatest artistic achievements were rivaled only by the grace and courage with which he endured his life’s most challenging moments. Wishing his family so much love.”

Kilmer’s career spanned decades, with his portrayal of Batman in the 1995 film 'Batman Forever' standing as one of his most memorable roles. Taking over the cape and cowl from Michael Keaton, Kilmer played the Dark Knight alongside Carrey’s Riddler, Tommy Lee Jones’ Two-Face, and Nicole Kidman’s Dr Chase Meridian.  

Debi Mazar shares his memories with Val Kilmer in nostalgic post

Actress Debi Mazar, who played one of Two-Face’s sidekicks in 'Batman Forever', also shared her fond memories of Val Kilmer. In a nostalgic Instagram post, she recalled first meeting him in 1984 under unexpected circumstances.

“I met Val in 1984, in a dilapidated van that had a door missing,” Mazar wrote, before adding, “We had just attended Vincent Gallo’s wedding to a girl named Denise in NYC. The van took a bunch of us to the wedding reception in Jamaica, Queens. Super fun memory of that day.”

“Years later, I’d work with him in 'The Doors & Batman Forever'," Mazar wrote, “He was so talented & interesting. I know he struggled over the years with his health and was a fighter. My condolences to his family & loved ones. May he R.I.P.”

In addition to Carrey and Mazar, numerous actors honored Kilmer’s memory after his death from pneumonia in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Josh Brolin shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “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.” 

Singer Cher, who once dated Kilmer, described him as “funny, crazy, pain in the a**, GREAT FRIEND” and praised his bravery throughout his illness.