Channing Tatum, among other prominent US celebrities, paid homage to Hollywood actor Val Kilmer following his passing at the age of 65.
Tatum shared a series of photos and video clips, including a memorable scene from Kilmer’s acclaimed film “Tombstone,” accompanied by the caption, “Adios. RIP. To a true American legend. Val Kilmer was a real one. This proves it.”
Kilmer, known for his roles in iconic films such as “Top Gun,” “The Doors,” and “Batman Forever,” had also garnered a reputation as a Hollywood “bad boy” due to his intense performances and temperament.
The New York Times, citing his daughter Mercedes Kilmer, reported that the cause of death was pneumonia. The actor had been battling health issues for several years due to throat cancer.
The California-born, Juilliard-trained actor was a leading figure in Hollywood during the peak of his career.
He made his cinematic debut in the 1984 spy spoof “Top Secret!,” which earned him a dedicated fanbase, and rose to stardom as Tom Cruise’s rival in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun,” portraying naval aviator Tom “Iceman” Kazansky.
Kilmer reprised his role alongside Cruise in the successful 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” despite struggling with his speech.
