Val Kilmer was planning a public appearance at Beverly Hills Film Festival hours before his death

Many were left sad on April 1, when the news of Val Kilmer’s sudden demise broke. Internet users have continued to pay tribute to the Batman Forever star.

Kilmer was expected to make an appearance at the ongoing 25th Beverly Hills Film Festival, but he died hours before he could attend the event. The Doors star was heading to the screening of the documentary about his friend, Michael Madsen. Nino Simone, president and founder of Beverly Hills Film Festival, stated on Wednesday:

“It was a shock to find this out. We had just confirmed Val to attend the West Coast premiere of American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective this past weekend.”

He added that Val was “thrilled” to attend the festival to support his friend Michael Madsen. The Top Gun star was expected to make an appearance on the red carpet around 07:30 p.m., according to Simone, but he passed away hours before. The Beverly Hills Film Festival president and founder said:

“I know PR was on the phone, trying to get a hold of the driver, bringing Val for his 7:30 p.m. red carpet arrival. The story and news of his death were reported, literally at the same, exact time. Unbelievable, and so heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to his family.”

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Beverly Hills Film Festival paid tribute to Val Kilmer on Instagram

The Heat star gave a plethora of memorable performances throughout his career. Many reminisced about Kilmer's iconic movie roles after he passed away. Notable Hollywood celebrities also paid their respects to Val Kilmer, sharing anecdotes, memories, and more about him. The Beverly Hills Film Festival also paid tribute to the Tombstone actor on their Instagram.

They posted a picture of Kilmer and the caption read:

“Remembering Val Kilmer. Along with his fans and the rest of the industry, we remember and honor the life and career of Val Kilmer—an extraordinary talent whose performances captivated audiences and whose resilience inspired many.”

It concluded:

“His legacy lives on through the memorable characters he brought to life and the courage he showed in his own life.”

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Val Kilmer was suffering from pneumonia before his passing on April 1

Mercedes Kilmer, the Top Gun: Maverick actor’s daughter, confirmed the news of his death to The New York Times. A section of netizens initially thought that the announcement was a prank. Later, many shared their disappointment on social media after it became clear that Val Kilmer’s death was not an April Fool’s Day joke.

According to NYT, the 65-year-old actor was struggling with pneumonia before his death. Kilmer also battled with throat cancer between the mid-2010s and early 2020s. He survived after receiving chemotherapy and radiation. During his cancer treatment, Kilmer also underwent tracheostomies, which reportedly damaged his vocal cords.

The Hollywood star last appeared in Top Gun: Maverick, reprising his role of Tom "Iceman" Kazansky from the original.