Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever, has died at the age of 65.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to The New York Times that he passed away due to pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer after being diagnosed in 2014 but later recovered.
Kilmer first gained attention on stage before making his film debut in the 1984 comedy Top Secret!. His breakthrough came two years later when he played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, a rival to Tom Cruise’s Maverick in Top Gun. The film launched him into Hollywood stardom, leading to a career that balanced blockbuster hits with independent films.
His portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors earned him widespread praise, showcasing his ability to fully embody real-life characters. He later starred in Heat alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro and took on the role of Batman in Batman Forever, stepping into the cape between Michael Keaton and George Clooney.
Despite his success, Kilmer developed a reputation for being difficult on set, with Entertainment Weekly once calling him “The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate.” However, those who worked closely with him described a more complex, passionate artist who was deeply committed to his craft.
Born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1959, Kilmer was the youngest student ever admitted to Juilliard’s drama program. He made his Broadway debut in 1983 before transitioning to film. Though his career took a downturn in the 2000s with a string of poorly received movies, he was staging a comeback when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Kilmer chronicled his journey in the 2021 documentary Val, which premiered at Cannes and provided an intimate look at his rise, struggles, and health battle. His final major role was a poignant return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, where his real-life condition was incorporated into the film.
Reflecting on his life, Kilmer once described it as “magical,” filled with creativity across multiple forms of art, including poetry, painting, and music. He is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.