‘Ice is Gone’: Remembering Val Kilmer

At the tender age of 20, I remember sitting in a frosty movie theater in Washington, Pennsylvania, as an easily impressed Army Cadet watching the brand new movie Top Gun. I have to admit it secretly made me think I had made a mistake by joining the Army; after all, they didn’t have F-14s. Of course, Tom Cruise’s “Maverick” became a quick favorite, but so did his cocky square-jawed rival/friend “Iceman.” The two characters pushed each other to be better, and over time, they developed a deep friendship and mutual respect.

Val Kilmer, the charismatic actor renowned for his portrayal of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the Top Gun franchise, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. His death marks the end of a remarkable journey that left an indelible mark on Hollywood and movie-going audiences worldwide.​

In 2021, I learned a bit more about the man in the documentary film Val, which was narrated by his son Jack due to the elder Kilmer’s inability to speak following throat cancer treatments. Can you imagine being a Juliard-trained actor and losing your voice? That would be like a renowned painter losing control of their hands…the epitome of frustration.

Another great frustration that Kilmer had to suffer was the loss of almost all of his Top Gun earnings through mismanagement by his father. Eugene Kilmer acted as Val’s financial manager in the early days of his career. His dad had near total control over his finances. The problem was Eugene Kilmer sucked at managing money. Some of Val’s funds were spent on luxuries for his dad, but that’s not the worst part of it. Where things went really bad is when the elder Kilmer spent millions on a real estate deal that he signed Val’s name to. Long story short, it ended up being a really bad deal and Val, unaware that his father had signed his name to financial documents, lost almost all of his earnings.

He could have taken a legal route to try to recoup his funds, but he did not. Instead, he started over again, from almost zero, forgiving his father.

The Iconic Role of Iceman

In the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, Kilmer’s Iceman was the epitome of cool confidence and precision, serving as the foil to Tom Cruise’s reckless Maverick. Kilmer’s portrayal brought depth to a character that could have been a mere antagonist, making Iceman both formidable and admirable. His performance resonated with viewers, embodying the disciplined yet competitive spirit of naval aviators.

How cool would it have been to be any of those Naval Aviators? ​Everything in the film was iconic, right down to the Kawasaki GPZ 900R Ninja that Maverick rides in the opening scenes of both films. It is celluloid Americana. 

Kilmer and Cruise: A Dynamic On-Screen Rivalry

The on-screen chemistry between Kilmer and Cruise was palpable, their characters’ rivalry driving much of the film’s tension and appeal. This dynamic was not just a product of the script but was enhanced by the actors’ own interactions. Reports suggest that Kilmer and Cruise maintained a professional rivalry during filming, mirroring their characters’ competition. This real-life tension translated into performances that felt authentic and engaging. ​

Life Imitating Art: A Poignant Parallel

In the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, Kilmer reprised his role as Iceman, now an admiral battling illness. The film’s narrative saw Iceman succumbing to his condition, a storyline that eerily paralleled Kilmer’s real-life health struggles. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, Kilmer underwent treatments that affected his voice and breathing. Despite these challenges, he returned to the screen, delivering a performance that was both moving and courageous. ​

The scene between Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Iceman (Val Kilmer) in Top Gun: Maverick hits harder than any dogfight in the film. It’s more than acting—it’s real life bleeding into the story. Iceman is shown battling a terminal illness, a direct reflection of Kilmer’s own fight with throat cancer, which cost him his voice and changed his life.

In the film, Iceman communicates with Maverick by typing his words on a computer. It’s a quiet, measured conversation between two warriors who’ve earned every scar and wrinkle. Iceman tries to steady Maverick, who’s struggling with his new role as an instructor and the ghosts of his past—specifically his conflict with Rooster, the son of his fallen Radar Intercept Officer and best friend, Goose. 

But the real punch comes at the end of the scene. Iceman pushes through the pain to speak a few words out loud. He tells Maverick, “It’s time to let go.” Simple. Direct. No wasted breath. It’s a moment loaded with meaning—for the characters and for the men behind them. Cruise fought to make sure Kilmer was part of this sequel, knowing that the bond between Maverick and Iceman wasn’t fiction. It was built on years of real-life respect.

That scene landed because it wasn’t scripted sentiment. It was two old warhorses, onscreen and off, knowing the clock doesn’t stop for anyone. It was time for Maverick to let go of Iceman and time for Tom to let go of Val. 

A Legacy Remembered

Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career was marked by numerous diverse and memorable roles. From embodying Jim Morrison in The Doors to portraying Doc Holliday in Tombstone, his versatility as an actor was evident. Colleagues and fans alike have paid tribute to his talent and resilience. Director Francis Ford Coppola expressed his admiration, stating, “I will always remember him.” ​

Kilmer’s journey was one of passion, pain, and perseverance. Even in the face of health challenges, he continued to share his artistry, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations.​

As we bid farewell to Val Kilmer, we celebrate a life lived with intensity and dedication. His performances, especially as the indomitable Iceman, will remain etched in cinematic history, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of a true artist.