Director Michael Mann of "Heat" responded to the passing of Val Kilmer with a poignant and heartfelt tribute. In a statement released to The Hollywood Reporter, Mann fondly remembered his collaboration with Kilmer on the 1995 crime thriller, which also starred Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Kilmer's portrayal of Chris Shiherlis, a family man turned robbery mastermind, in this film is considered a cornerstone of cinematic thrillers.
"While working alongside Val on 'Heat,' I was consistently amazed by the vast range and incredible versatility he brought to his characters," Mann shared with the outlet. "After years of battling illness and maintaining his spirit, this news is incredibly sorrowful."
Kilmer passed away on April 1st at the age of 65 due to pneumonia, following a prolonged struggle with throat cancer that ultimately robbed him of his voice. Despite his health challenges, Kilmer continued to appear in numerous films, including Tomas Alfredson's "The Snowman" (2017) and the highly anticipated sequel "Top Gun: Maverick," where he reprised his iconic role as Iceman.
Mann was not the only one to pay tribute to Kilmer. Numerous fans and former colleagues honored him with heartwarming posts on social media. The legendary visual effects company Industrial Light and Magic posted on Threads, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague, Val Kilmer. With roles like Madmartigan, Iceman, Doc Holliday, and Jim Morrison, Val solidified his legacy as one of the greats. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."
Echoing these sentiments, Lucasfilm executive Pablo Hidalgo added, "Oh no, not Val Kilmer. He had a fantastic sense of humor, but beneath the surface, there was a fascinating storm brewing. Madmartigan was an iconic character, and Val will be remembered fondly."
