Val Kilmer Celebrities React to His Death

Published April 2, 2025 4:47 AM PDT | Updated April 2, 2025 5:31 AM PDT

Val Kilmer's unexpected passing is sending shockwaves through Hollywood ... with tons of stars reacting to the loss after the actor died of pneumonia on Tuesday.

Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Kilmer in the 2011 horror-mystery film "Twixt," praised the actor in an Instagram tribute, calling VK a natural talent that "only grew greater throughout his life," alongside a photo of them on set.

One of Kilmer's most iconic roles was playing Jim Morrison in "The Doors" ... and "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Jennifer Tilly recalls Kilmer pulling up to the casting call in a '60s convertible, blaring the band's music "at top volume." She says in that moment, it was clear "nobody else stood a chance."

Actor Josh Brolin is sharing a snap of him with Kilmer smiling together while posing in nature, 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."

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Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in 1995’s "Heat," posted a throwback photo of the actor sitting on a bench and recalls marveling "at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character."

"Frozen" star Josh Gad also posted a tribute to Kilmer on Instagram, sharing a photo of him as his "Top Gun" character, Tom "Iceman," writing ... "RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon."

The official "Top Gun" account on X is also honoring Kilmer, writing ... "Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations."

Actors Jason Momoa, Lauren Holly, Nina Dobrev and many more have also paid homage to the icon on social media.

Tributes began pouring in shortly after Kilmer's daughter, Mercedes, confirmed her father had passed away.