Veteran actor Val Kilmer, known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, Tombstone, and Batman Forever, has passed away at the age of 65, according to The New York Times. The California-born, Juilliard-trained performer was celebrated for his versatility and commanding screen presence, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most memorable leading men.
Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes, confirmed that the actor passed away due to complications from pneumonia. She noted that Kilmer had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but had since recovered.
Kilmer made his big-screen debut in the 1984 spy parody Top Secret! before showcasing his comedic chops in Real Genius (1985). His breakthrough came in 1986 when he starred as the cool and confident naval aviator Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in Top Gun alongside Tom Cruise.
One of Kilmer’s most demanding roles came in Oliver Stone’s 1991 biopic The Doors, where he portrayed Jim Morrison, the legendary and tragic frontman of the iconic rock band.
In 2021, Kilmer opened up about his life and health struggles in the documentary Val, directed by Leo Scott and Ting Poo. Produced alongside his children, Mercedes and Jack, the film provided an intimate look at his challenging recovery journey. Val premiered to critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation.
“I had a unique experience because I just lost my little brother a week before I started school,” Kilmer said during a 2005 Juilliard lecture. “So it was quite an emotional time for me, and in a way, the extremely high standards and the activity of the School I’m sure were good for me, because I was forced to really challenge myself about my very life, you know—what I believe about life and death. For me, it was a great way to progress out of that difficult time, to be thrown into such a great school.”
In a 2012 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kilmer reflected on his extended absence from mainstream Hollywood, acknowledging that his career had taken an unconventional path. He explained that he had pursued other interests and prioritized spending time with his children. “I don’t have any regrets,” Kilmer said.
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