Ron Howard Pens Heartfelt Tribute To The Late Val Kilmer

Sadly, Val Kilmer died on April 1 from complications of pneumonia. He had a decades-long career in Hollywood with some incredibly memorable roles. From Iceman in Top Gun to Batman in Batman Forever and Jim Morrison in The Doors, his acting abilities impressed many an industry heavyweight. Ron Howard directed Val Kilmer in 1988’s Willow and paid tribute to the late star with a touching post on X.

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Ron wrote, “I was incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Val a number of times over the years. As the offbeat swordsman #Madmartagen in #Willow , his stunning #JimMorrison in Oliver Stone’s #TheDoors & in a chilling cameo in #TheMissing.”

He added, “I list these titles because even my own personal creative experiences reflect his awesome range as an actor. Check out his filmography. Amazing. His art extended to his poetry, artworks, filmmaking and simply the way he lived. Bon Voyage, Val And thank you.”

Fans loved Ron’s tribute to Val Kilmer and shared in his appreciation for not only his talent as an actor but who he was as a man.

One fan commented, “Great post RON! Appreciate you personalizing it for us and VAL! RIP legend.”

Another person wrote, “Thank you Ron Howard ! Gew of these youngsters know of his ‘breakout’ as ‘Madmartigan’, a role that set the tone of his career! I must wonder: he was so fully comitted to each role… who WAS val Kilmer? I hope we can learn more of the man behind the roles!”

This person added their favorite Val Kilmer moment to Ron’s tribute. “I remember his cameo in The Missing, he made you sit up in your chair – he was brilliant. Thanks for giving us Willow too, he was the true definition of a hero and underdog in that movie.”

This story’s featured image is by -/AFP via Getty Images.