Piers Morgan has revealed the emotional moment when the late Hollywood icon Val Kilmer brought him to tears. Kilmer, who passed away at the age of 65 on Wednesday (April 2), was best known for his role as Iceman in the blockbuster film Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. After the news of his death hit the headlines, teh 60-year-old broadcaster took to social media to share his feelings on the actor’s shocking death.
Taking to X - formerly known as Twitter - he shared a touching tribute to the late actor online. It read: “RIP Val Kilmer, 65. Played so many great roles but for me, he will always be Iceman. The way Tom Cruise got him back for the Top Gun sequel, knowing how ill he was, was incredibly poignant and brought a tear to my eye in the cinema.”
The news of Kilmer's death has deeply affected fans and fellow celebrities all over the glove, who have been quick to express their condolences and share their memories of the late actor online.
One fan commenting on Morgan’s post, said: “Really moving scene. Beautifully acted by both men. RIP" as another gushed: “Val Kilmer’s legacy is timeless. Iceman will always be iconic, and his contribution to film is unforgettable. So moving to see him honoured in Top Gun.” A third penned: “Wow, absolutely devastating.”
Val Kilmer battled with health issues for many years, having been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times that her father died of pneumonia, a lung infection that can range in severity.
Despite his health struggles, Kilmer's career continued to flourish. He wrote candidly about his life challenges in a 2020 memoir, revealing how his ex-flame Cher helped him through his cancer diagnosis and the harrowing effects it had on his body.
Kilmer's resilience in the face of illness was further highlighted in a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying it had "taken its toll" on him, leaving him short of breath and with a raspy voice after a procedure on his trachea.
He discussed how undergoing a tracheotomy, combined with chemotherapy, helped him in his recovery. Kilmer also credited his Christian Scientist faith for providing significant support during his difficult times.
A slew of Hollywood stars paid tribute the A-list star. Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Kilmer in the 2011 horror-mystery film Twixt, honoured the actor on Instagram, calling him a natural talent that "only grew greater throughout his life."
Actor Josh Brolin shared a heartfelt message alongside a photograph of the two, writing: "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."
Frozen star Josh Gad also joined in commemorating Kilmer, posting a photo of him as his iconic Top Gu" character, Tom Iceman, with the caption: "RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon."
Danny Ramirez, who starred alongside Kilmer in "Top Gun: Maverick" shared a message to his Instagram story, writing, "In the brief time I spent with him on set he was nothing but kind, joyous and playful. I felt lucky to be in the same room."
