Val Kilmer, who famously portrayed Lieutenant Tom “Iceman” Kazanski, was just 26 years old when he took on the role in 1986. His portrayal of the skilled and confident rival to Tom Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, became a defining moment in his career. Kilmer’s journey was not without challenges; he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, which led to a tracheotomy that affected his voice. Nevertheless, Kilmer demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to the screen in the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.” He passed away on April 2, 2025, at the age of 65, but his dedication to acting and memorable performances in films like “The Doors” and “Batman Forever” continue to inspire.