Val Kilmer‘s family has spoken out for the first time since their loss.
Two days after the Hollywood legend’s daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed her father’s death at age 65, she and her family released a statement.
In the message obtained by People, the family shared, ”Thank you for honouring our extraordinary father’s memory.”
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“We are so proud of him and honoured to see his legacy celebrated,” they said before concluding with, “At this time, we would like to grieve privately.”
The actress confirmed to The New York Times that her father had died of pneumonia on Tuesday, April 1 local time.
The Top Gun actor had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent many surgeries for it, later recovering but losing the use of his voice, instead using feeding tubes and an electronic voice box to communicate.
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Val Kilmer’s life and career in pictures
Hi last public appearance was with his daughter at the annual Thespians Go Hollywood Gala at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles on November 18, 2019.
One of his last roles was also alongside his daughter, with the duo starring in 2020 film Paydirt.
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The Batman actor also shares son Jack Kilmer, with both of his children being shared with his ex-wife Joanne Whalley. The pair were married from 1988 to 1996 after meeting on the set of 1988 film Willow.
Both of his children have carried on his acting legacy, with Mercedes also starring in projects such as Ingrid, Pretty Face, and There Is No Gravity, and Jack being seen in Palo Alto, Lords of Chaos, and The Stanford Prison Experiment.
Val’s career spanned 44 years, with the actor starring in hits such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, Heat, Tombstone, and many more.
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The screen veteran has been mourned by many in the industry, including his Top Gun co-star Tom Cruise.
While on stage at CinemaCon in Vegas on April 3, Cruise addressed his co-star’s death.
“I’d like to honour a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” the actor said per Variety.
“I can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honoured I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick.”
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“I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us,” he told the crowd.
“Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him.”
Cruise was pictured bowing his head on stage after asking for a moment of silence.
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He concluded his tribute with a farewell to his co-star.
“I wish you well on the next journey,” Cruise said.
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