Saturday Night Live traded its usual comedic tone for a moment of heartfelt reflection this past weekend, paying tribute to actor Val Kilmer just days after his passing at the age of 65.
During the closing moments of the April 5 episode, hosted by Jack Black, a black-and-white image of Kilmer appeared onscreen in a silent tribute to the Batman Forever star, who hosted SNL on December 9, 2000.
Kilmer’s appearance on the show was a memorable one. He fully embraced the spirit of sketch comedy, poking fun at his own iconic roles. One sketch reimagined his Top Gun character Iceman as a retired fighter pilot-turned-commercial airline captain, while another saw him channeling Jim Morrison in a heavenly rock supergroup for a Behind the Music parody.
He also demonstrated his versatility in comedy, portraying Jeb Bush in a political soap opera, a laughing doctor on a chaotic talk show, and legendary composer Burt Bacharach in a musical performance.
In 2011, Kilmer returned for a surprise cameo in The Lonely Island’s digital short Best Friends. He played a bizarre and intense man crashing into a new friendship, alongside Matt Damon, who portrayed a good-looking drug addict. The short quickly became a fan favorite and showcased Kilmer’s unique comedic flair.
Outside of SNL, the industry continues to mourn Kilmer’s loss. The actor passed away on April 1 due to pneumonia, leaving behind a rich legacy of film and television performances.
At CinemaCon on Thursday, Tom Cruise—Kilmer’s co-star in Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick—led a touching moment of silence.
“I really can’t tell you how much I admired his work… Thank you, Val. I wish you well on your next journey,” Cruise said, visibly moved.
As tributes continue to pour in, Kilmer is being remembered not only for his powerful screen presence but for his ability to bring humor, depth, and humanity to every role he touched.
