Hollywood Icon Val Kilmer Dies at 65

“Val Kilmer, the renowned actor famous for roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, has passed away at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed that he died on 1 April in Los Angeles due to complications from pneumonia, as reported by The New York Times and The Associated Press (AP).

Kilmer had battled throat cancer since his diagnosis in 2014, undergoing multiple surgeries. Though he largely withdrew from acting in his later years, he made a notable return in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, reprising his role as Tom “”Iceman”” Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise. The film marked his final performance on screen.

A Career Defined by Iconic Roles
Born in California in 1959, Kilmer was passionate about acting from a young age. He attended Juilliard at just 17, becoming the prestigious school’s youngest drama student at the time. His film career took off in 1984 with Top Secret!, but it was his role in Top Gun (1986) that made him a household name.

The 1990s saw Kilmer take on a range of leading roles, portraying Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), the legendary gunslinger Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), and Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He was widely regarded as an intense method actor, immersing himself fully in his characters. While preparing for Tombstone, he reportedly slept in a bed filled with ice to simulate tuberculosis symptoms. For The Doors, he remained in character as Morrison throughout filming, even asking cast and crew to address him by the rock star’s name.

Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s talents extended beyond acting—he was also a visual artist and a poet, having published two books of poetry. He was married to actress Joanne Whalley from 1988 to 1996, and they had two children, Mercedes and Jack.

His life and career were explored in the 2021 documentary Val, in which Kilmer reflected on his personal and professional journey. “”I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets,”” he said in the film.

Kilmer’s legacy as a versatile and dedicated performer will be remembered by fans and colleagues worldwide.”