Jim Carrey is remembering his former Batman Forever co-star Val Kilmer with deep admiration and respect after the actor’s death at age 65.
Kilmer, who portrayed Bruce Wayne/Batman in the 1995 film, died earlier this week from complications related to pneumonia following years of health struggles.
Carrey, who played the manic Edward Nygma/The Riddler in the same film, released a heartfelt statement honoring Kilmer not just as a talented actor, but as a man of resilience.
“I’m remembering Val Kilmer today with great admiration for him as a man and as a generational talent who left us an enviable legacy of indelible acting performances,” Carrey said. “His greatest artistic achievements were rivaled only by the grace and courage with which he endured his life’s most challenging moments. Wishing his family so much love.”
Kilmer stepped into the iconic cape and cowl for Batman Forever, directed by Joel Schumacher, taking over the role from Michael Keaton. The cast was stacked: Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Nicole Kidman as Dr. Chase Meridian, Chris O’Donnell as Robin, and Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar as Sugar and Spice.
Debi Mazar also shared her memories of Kilmer on Instagram, posting: “I met Val in 1984, in a dilapidated van that had a door missing. We had just attended Vincent Gallo’s wedding… Years later, I’d work with him in The Doors and Batman Forever. He was so talented and interesting. I know he struggled over the years with his health, and was a fighter.”
Jennifer Tilly, who had a small part cut from The Doors, remembered Kilmer’s transformative entrance during the casting process. “All of a sudden, a sixties convertible came screeching up, blaring Doors music… a guy jumped out barefoot, shirtless, and in leather pants. It was Val. From that minute on, nobody else stood a chance. RIP King.”
Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) is still considered one of his most captivating performances. That role, along with Top Gun, Heat, Tombstone, and Batman Forever, cemented him as a force in ’80s and ’90s cinema.
In recent years, despite a debilitating battle with throat cancer, Kilmer continued to work, making a highly emotional return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick (2022). His bravery and grace while facing adversity were widely celebrated by both fans and colleagues.
The outpouring of love from Hollywood is a testament to his enduring impact—not just on film, but on the people who worked with him. Carrey’s words serve as a fitting send-off to a complicated, deeply talented man who left it all on the screen.
