Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Val Kilmer has sadly died at the age of 65 – three years after his iconic final role in Top Gun: Maverick after suffering a heart breaking journey with throat cancerVal Kilmer’s final acting role in Top Gun: Maverick had Tom Cruise in tears(Image: Paramount Pictures)News of Val Kilmer’s death at the age of 65, just three years after his final film credit, has left his fans, friends and Hollywood co-stars utterly heartbroken. The Batman Forever and Top Gun actor’s family confirmed he died on Tuesday after battling pneumonia.It came after a battle with throat cancer, which Val was diagnosed with in 2014. Despite getting the ‘all clear’ the star was left with a permanently damaged voice due to the treatment he endured.Despite this, it didn’t stop Val from reuniting with Tom Cruise for Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, which later became his final onscreen role before his death, as he reprised his role as fighter pilot Iceman.Follow updates on Val Kilmer’s death as Hollywood reacts to the sad news with the Mirror’s live blog hereVal and Tom both starred in Top Gun in 1986(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)The script from the movie reflected Val’s real life, as Iceman also had cancer and was communicating through typing. Kilmer’s voice in the film had been revived due to AI. Kilmer had supplied company Sonantic with hours of archival footage featuring his voice.Speaking on Val’s role in the sequel, Tom emotionally expressed the impact on his return. “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. I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, I love his work,” he told Jimmy Kimmel Live.During the emotional scene in Top Gun: Maverick, Maverick heads to see Iceman for help on how to manage his friend Goose’s son Rooster. Unable to speak as he is suffering from cancer, Iceman has a message for Maverick.Val’s role in Top Gun: Maverick was his final performance before his death(Image: Paramount Pictures)”You need to let it go,” he writes, as the men share a moment. “I don’t know how,” Maverick tells him, “I’m not a teacher. I’m a fighter pilot. A naval aviator. It’s not what I am, it’s who I am. How do I teach that? Even if I could teach it, it’s not what the navy wants, it’s why they canned me the last time. The only reason I’m here is you.”If I send him on this mission, he might never come home and if I don’t send him, he’ll never forgive me. Either way, I lose him.” Unable to speak, Iceman reminds him of what’s on the screen.Speaking, Iceman tells him: “The navy needs Maverick. The kid needs Maverick. That’s why I fought for you. That’s why you’re still here.” The pair then shared a hug before Iceman asked: “One last thing, who’s the better pilot? You or me?” referencing their rivalry.”This is a nice moment, let’s not ruin it,” Maverick tells him as they shared a laugh and another hug.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
