Among the celebrity tributes rolling in for actor Val Kilmer upon the news of his passing, Hallmark fan-favorite Will Kemp has shared his gratitude for the time they spent together working on the 2004 movie “Mindhunters,” Kemp’s first feature film.
On April 1, 2025, The New York Times first reported Kilmer’s death at age 65. The “Top Gun” and “Batman” star underwent treatment for throat cancer in 2014, but his daughter told the outlet that his death was the result of pneumonia.
Kemp, 47, whose wide-ranging career includes starring in nine Hallmark movies since 2018, posted an Instagram photo from the set of “Mindhunters” that showed two chairs next to each other, one with his name and the other with Kilmer’s.
“My first film job,” Kemp wrote in the caption. “Thank you for all the memories Val.”
Will Kemp Recalls Funny Moment On Set With Val Kilmer
In his tribute, Kemp shared a funny memory from the set of “Mindhunters,” recalling Kilmer “surprising me by choosing to eat an unscripted cheeseburger mid way through a flying helicopter scene, during our first take & asking ‘Is everyone having fun?!’ 😂”
Kemp continued, “You were fun, unpredictable, generous and overall very kind to me when I was new to the game. Thank you. RIP ❤️🙏”
Many of Kemp’s Hallmark colleagues “liked” his Instagram tribute including Lacey Chabert, Brooke D’Orsay, Heather Hemmens, Mallory Jansen, Nanzeen Contractor, and Colin Lawrence. Kristoffer Polaha and John Brotherton both commented with a brokenhearted emoji.
Nearly 200 friends and fans left their condolences and favorite memories of Kilmer’s movies in Kemp’s comment section including one who wrote, “Such sad news… you always spoke so highly of him. Sending you much love x”
Another commented, “You were lucky to have known Val. So sad he is gone. This film was intense! You were both great.”
Kemp, who just signed on to co-star with “Bridgerton” actor Oli Higginson in the “True Sherlock” series, also tweeted a tribute to Kilmer, where others replied with their condolences, including one who responded, “How great that you worked with Mr. Kilmer. Sending condolences and thoughts of comfort for his family. Thank you for sharing this.”
Hallmark Alum Sharon Lawrence Among Celebrities Paying Tribute to Val Kilmer
Many other celebrities are paying tribute to Kilmer the day after news of his passing broke, including Sharon Lawrence, who appeared in Hallmark’s “The Christmas House” movies.
Lawrence posted a video of Kilmer talking about “Citizen Twain,” a one-man play about Mark Twain that he wrote and performed at theaters across the U.S. beginning in 2010.
“Always been a fan of #valkilmer,” Lawrence wrote in her caption, “and so glad I saw his delightful Mark Twain solo show live. Grateful to have witnessed his gifts, his generosity, his contributions and legacy. Don’t miss the Documentary ‘VAL’ . What a transformational artist he was. RIP Val.”
Among other celebrities sharing their memories of Kilmer, actor Josh Brolin was among the first to pay tribute on Instagram, posting of them together and writing, “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts. ❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔💎”
Former actor and director Ron Howard, who worked with Kilmer on multiple projects, tweeted, “Check out his filmography. Amazing. His art extended to his poetry, artworks, filmmaking, and simply the way he lived. Bon Voyage, Val And thank you.”
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Hallmark’s Will Kemp Shares Touching Tribute & Funny Memory With Former Co-Star Val Kilmer