Kilmer’s breakout role came as LT Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun (1986). That was followed by the fantasy film Willow (1988). His big break as a leading man came with his swaying, leather-clad portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors.

Heatdirector Michael Mann remembered working with the late Val Kilmer today, after the news broke of the actor's death. Kilmer was 65 years old. As per Deadline, Mann reflected on working with Kilmer on the set of the 1995 film Heat.

Val Kilmer’s unexpected demise has come as a shocker to many. The Heat actor was suffering from pneumonia when he died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.