Val Kilmer's 'Top Gun' family honors actor after his death at 65: 'RIP to our forever Iceman'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hollywood is grieving the loss of iconic actor Val Kilmer, who died at 65 on April 1. Kilmer's daughter, Mercedes, confirmed his death, revealing he succumbed to pneumonia after battling throat cancer since 2014.

Tributes have poured in from his co-stars in the 'Top Gun' franchise, including Anthony Edwards, who starred alongside Kilmer and Tom Cruise in the original 1986 film, Jennifer Connelly, who appeared in 2022’s 'Top Gun: Maverick', and Danny Ramirez, who joined the cast as one of the young pilots in the latest installment.

Their heartfelt messages honor the actor’s lasting impact on Hollywood and the 'Top Gun' legacy.

'Top Gun' co-stars honor Val Kilmer after he dies at 65

On April 2, several of his fellow actors from 'Top Gun' took to social media to honor the late star, Val Kilmer.

"Val Kilmer, in a life time as an artist created work that touched so many in so many mediums. Hoping he is at peace," said Anthony Edwards, who starred with Kilmer and Tom Cruise in the original Top Gun (1986), added in a statement to PEOPLE.

Jennifer Connelly, who starred alongside Kilmer in 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022), shared a photo of him from the original film on her Instagram Stories, writing, "RIP to our forever Iceman 🕊️."

Danny Ramirez, who played one of Maverick’s trainees in Maverick, also honored Kilmer with a post on Instagram. He shared a photo of the actor and described him as "nothing but kind, joyous and playful" on set. "I felt lucky to be in the same room," Ramirez wrote. "A brilliant and generous performer and one of the coolest to ever do it. Rest in peace, Val."

Tom Cruise once reflected on his experience working with Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer's reunion with Tom Cruise in Maverick included a poignant scene where Iceman offers Maverick advice regarding Miles Teller’s character, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw.

Cruise later reflected on the emotional experience of working with Kilmer again, saying during a February 2023 interview on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' that he was moved to tears.

"I've known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he's such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again," Cruise shared. "I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional." He went on to praise Kilmer as "such a brilliant actor" and expressed his deep admiration for his work, saying, "I love his work."

Val Kilmer once revealed how he felt about doing 'Top Gun'

Val Kilmer was remarkably open about his life and career, sharing personal insights through his 2020 memoir and the 2021 documentary that offered an intimate look into his journey. The documentary revealed Val Kilmer's struggles after losing his natural voice due to a prolonged battle with throat cancer that began in 2014.

In the film, Kilmer shared, "Though I healed quickly from the extensive radiation and chemotherapy, what followed has left my voice impaired. I'm still recovering, and it's difficult to talk and be understood," as per USA Today.

Kilmer also reflected on his early career choices, admitting, "Believe it or not, I didn’t want to do 'Top Gun' at first. I thought the script was silly and I disliked warmongering in films. But I was under contract with the studio, so I didn't really have a choice."

In the iconic film, Kilmer portrayed Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, a confident and competitive aviator opposite Tom Cruise’s Maverick, despite his initial reluctance to take on the role.

In 'Maverick', Iceman returns as the commander of the US Pacific Fleet, helping to bring Maverick back to Top Gun for a critical training mission. Kilmer’s last significant film appearance was in 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022), where he reprised his beloved character.