Veteran Hollywood actor Val Kilmer enjoyed a legendary career which included over 100 appearances in movies and on television.

However, the star who rose to fame alongside Tom Cruise in 1986's "Top Gun" passed away this week at the age of 65. 

Kilmer died on Tuesday due to pneumonia

According to The New York Times, Kilmer's death was confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, who said that her father had passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Mercedes explained that he succumbed to pneumonia, although the Times noted how Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer eleven years ago.

The newspaper recalled how Kilmer's first starring role came when he played singer Nick Rivers in the 1984 Cold War spy-movie spoof "Top Secret!"

Two years after that, Kilmer gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Navy fighter pilot Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in "Top Gun."

The actor went on to have a long list of memorable parts, such as that of Doc Holliday in 1993's "Tombstone" as well as Bruce Wayne in 1995's "Batman Forever."

Tom Cruise "got emotional" at being reunited with Kilmer

Kilmer later went on to reprise the role of Iceman in 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick," for which he earned praise from co-star Cruise during an interview with late night comedy host Jimmy Kimmel.

"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. You’re looking at Iceman," the online publication Parade quoted Cruise as saying.

The entertainment icon went on to recall his feelings about being reunited with Kilmer, remarking, "I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work."

For his part, Kilmer shared positive thoughts about his return as well when speaking with USA Today, saying, "I was very moved the first time I saw it. Almost 40 years is a long time for a reunion."

Kilmer remember for being "playful and self-deprecating"

News of Kilmer's passing was met with an outpouring of tributes on social media, including from actor and writer Stephen Merchant.

Despite a combative reputation, Val Kilmer was great fun to work with on Life’s Too Short, always willing to be playful and self-deprecating. I got to know him socially too, and he was as engaging as he was eccentric. A true one-off. RIP Val pic.twitter.com/BblhDZuMT7

— Stephen Merchant (@StephenMerchant) April 2, 2025

"Despite a combative reputation, Val Kilmer was great fun to work with on Life’s Too Short, always willing to be playful and self-deprecating," Merchant recalled in an X post. "I got to know him socially too, and he was as engaging as he was eccentric. A true one-off."