Michael Douglas Pays Tribute to Val Kilmer After His Death: “His Legacy Will Live On Forever”
Hollywood legend Michael Douglas took to Instagram to pay an emotional tribute to his late co-star Val Kilmer, who passed away at the age of 65. In his touching post, Douglas shared a nostalgic photo of the two actors on the set of their 1996 adventure film The Ghost and the Darkness and wrote:
“RIP Val Kilmer. It was an honor working with Val on The Ghost and the Darkness nearly 30 years ago. Val will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on forever in the films and performances he so brilliantly shared with us.”
Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer co-starred in The Ghost and the Darkness, a film based on the real-life story of two lions that terrorized workers in Tsavo, Kenya, during the construction of a railroad in the late 1800s. Kilmer played Lt. Colonel John Henry Patterson, a determined bridge engineer, while Douglas portrayed Charles Remington, a big-game hunter brought in to stop the killings. The film showcased both actors’ versatility and commitment to bringing compelling, larger-than-life characters to the screen.
Val Kilmer was widely respected in the film industry for his talent, intensity, and charisma. His breakout role came as “Iceman” in Top Gun, opposite Tom Cruise, and he later delivered unforgettable performances as Jim Morrison in The Doors, Doc Holliday in Tombstone, and Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever. Known for his ability to disappear into roles, Kilmer left an indelible mark on Hollywood and on the hearts of his fans.
Kilmer’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, who revealed that he passed away from complications related to pneumonia on April 1, 2025. He had long battled throat cancer, which was first diagnosed in 2014. A tracheotomy left him with limited speech in later years, but his passion for storytelling never faded. His life and battle with illness were candidly portrayed in the 2021 documentary Val, which offered fans a deeply personal look at the man behind the iconic roles.
Michael Douglas’ tribute reflects the deep respect and admiration so many in the industry held for Kilmer—not only as a performer but as a person. The two shared a memorable on-screen bond in The Ghost and the Darkness, and Douglas’ heartfelt message reminds fans of the enduring legacy Kilmer leaves behind.
Kilmer is survived by his daughter Mercedes and son Jack. Though he may be gone, the roles he embodied and the emotions he stirred live on in every frame of film he graced.
