Val Kilmer, a versatile and celebrated actor renowned for his unforgettable performances, including Doc Holliday in Tombstone and Iceman in Top Gun, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65 due to complications related to pneumonia.
In a heartfelt statement to The New York Times, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, revealed that Val spent his final moments surrounded by loved ones in Los Angeles. His portrayal of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise in the iconic 1986 film Top Gun solidified his status as a Hollywood mainstay.
The Legacy of Tom “Iceman”Kazansky in Top Gun
Val Kilmer encapsulated the essence of competition through his character, Iceman, who is emblematic of the Navy’s elite Top Gun program designed for the top 1% of pilots. Known for his frosty demeanor and unwavering commitment, Iceman thrived under strict regulations and moral integrity.
Portrayed as a highly skilled yet arrogant pilot, he consistently aimed to outshine his peers. His rivalry with Maverick highlighted the clash between his disciplined flight approach and Maverick’s instinctive risk-taking attitude, laying the foundation for their complex relationship.
With his signature bleached hair tips, Iceman is portrayed as a formidable competitor, often referred to as the best pilot among the new Top Gun students. His rivalry with Maverick revolves around their mutual desire to inscribe their names on the revered plaque of elite pilots.
Iceman’s singular goal throughout the movie is to clinch the prestigious Top Gun award. He often admonishes Maverick for his reckless methods, once dramatically stating:
“Maverick, it’s not your flying, it’s your attitude. The enemy’s dangerous, but right now you’re worse. Dangerous and foolish. You may not like who’s flying with you, but whose side are you on?”
While Maverick faced setbacks, Iceman persevered, graduating at the top of his class. This dynamics culminated in a pivotal scene during their first formal joint mission, where Maverick’s heroism saves Iceman from enemy aircraft, demonstrating mutual respect and camaraderie.
In Top Gun: Maverick, the legacy of Iceman continues, revealing the character’s struggle with terminal cancer. In an emotional reunion with Maverick, Iceman encourages him to believe in himself and continue teaching.
Notably, Val Kilmer initially showed little enthusiasm for the role of Iceman. In his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, he expressed surprise at landing the part, confessing, “I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me… I felt more deflated than inflated.”
Kilmer’s struggles with health became public following a throat cancer diagnosis in 2015, which was showcased in the documentary Val, premiered at Cannes in July 2021. His health challenges impacted his performance in Top Gun: Maverick, where an AI-generated voice was used due to his condition.