Josh Brolin, Matthew Modine lead celebs in paying tribute to ‘absolute legend’ Val Kilmer after his death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The entertainment world is mourning the death of beloved and versatile actor Val Kilmer, who died at the age of 65.

Tributes poured in from fellow actors and celebrities, including Matthew Modine, Michael Mann, Josh Brolin, Josh Gad, Richard Roeper, Francis Ford Coppola, Don Winslow and Bill Simmons, all honoring Kilmer’s remarkable legacy.

His daughter, actress Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news of his death, revealing that Kilmer, famed for his performances in 'Top Gun', 'Batman Forever', and 'The Doors', died from pneumonia in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 1. The actor had been battling throat cancer since 2015.

Matthew Modine

Matthew Modine, star of 'Full Metal Jacket' and 'Stranger Things', shared one of the first touching tributes, recalling how their chance meeting in 1985 played a pivotal role in his casting for 'Full Metal Jacket'.

On X, he wrote: "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."

Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin, star of 'The Goonies', also expressed his grief, "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."

James Woods

'Oppenheimer' actor James Woods has also joined in paying tribute to Kilmer with a heartfelt message on his X (formerly Twitter).

He wrote, “His rendition of Doc Holliday in Tombstone was what every actor dreams of achieving. So many wonderful performances. Sad to lose him so soon. RIP Val Kilmer.”

Woods and Val Kilmer both appeared in the 1993 Western film 'Tombstone', with Woods portraying the character of Theodore, and Kilmer playing Doc Holliday.

Director Michael Mann remembers working with Val Kimer on 'Heat'

Filmmaker Michael Mann paid tribute to Val Kilmer in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, recalling their time working together on 'Heat'.

"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," Mann said.

He added, "After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news."

Kilmer delivered a standout supporting performance in Michael Mann's 1995 action thriller 'Heat', portraying Chris Shiherlis, a skilled crew member working for the notorious criminal mastermind Neil MacCauley, played by Robert De Niro.

As Shiherlis, a family man and brilliant heist planner, Kilmer contributed to what is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrillers ever made.

Josh Gad

Actor and comedian Josh Gad paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Val Kilmer, honoring him as an icon. On Instagram, he wrote, "RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon."

The post, which included a black-and-white image of Kilmer, quickly garnered over 24,000 likes within just two hours of being shared. Gad also added the hashtag #valkilmer to the caption.

Mike Drucker

On Bluesky, Emmy-nominated TV writer and comedian Mike Drucker shared his thoughts, saying, “Val Kilmer was the kind of actor who, regardless of the material, always knew exactly how to deliver.”

Brian Lynch

Brian Lynch, the screenwriter behind 'Minions' and 'The Secret Life of Pets', paid tribute to Val Kilmer on Bluesky, listing some of his iconic films: “The Doors. Top Secret! Tombstone. Top Gun. Real Genius. Willow. Batman Forever. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. True Romance. Macgruber. Heat. There was nobody like Val Kilmer. May he Rest in Peace.”

Pablo Hidalgo

Lucasfilm executive Pablo Hidalgo took to Bluesky to express his admiration for Val Kilmer, writing, “Oh man, not Val Kilmer. His comedic chops were top notch but he had a fascinating storm roiling beneath the surface. Madmartigan was an icon.”

Richard Roeper

Renowned movie critic Richard Roeper also paid tribute on X (formerly known as Twitter) tweeting, “Val Kilmer should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Tombstone and for Heat. He was a brilliant presence in some of the most enduring films of his generation. Rest well. Thank you for the incredible work.”

The post, featuring iconic stills of Kilmer from his legendary films, garnered over 25K interactions online.

Bill Simmons

Bill Simmons, owner of The Ringer, shared his thoughts on X, saying, “There wasn’t anyone quite like Val Kilmer. Really enjoyed his work. RIP.”

The official 'Top Gun' movie account also honored Kilmer on X, tweeting, “Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman.”

Timo Tjahjanto

Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto, known for 'The Shadow Strays' and 'Nobody 2', posted a memorable scene from 'Heat', where Kilmer’s character shares his final interaction with Ashley Judd’s character.

Tjahjanto wrote, “A masterpiece exercise in saying nothing and expressing everything. Rest in Peace truly.”

Sasha Grey

Actress Sasha Grey also shared her tribute on X, tweeting, “Rest In Peace Val Kilmer, an absolute legend. He played some of my favorite characters in some of my favorite movies of all time. Condolences to his family 🫶 He was 65.”

Legendary visual effects studio Industrial Light & Magic honored Val Kilmer with a heartfelt post on its official Threads account, stating, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague, Val Kilmer. From his memorable roles as Madmartigan, Iceman, Doc Holliday, and Jim Morrison, Val cemented himself as one of the greats. He will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Don Winslow

American author Don Winslow also paid tribute on X, writing, “Rest in peace VAL KILMER. A brilliant actor and a good man.”

Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Val Kilmer in the 2011 horror film 'Twixt', shared a photo of himself with the actor on Instagram.

The post included a caption that read, "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.”