Val Kilmer, the versatile actor known for his iconic roles in films like “Top Gun,” “Batman Forever,” and “Tombstone,” has died at the age of 65, Fox News reports.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The New York Times reported that the cause of death was pneumonia.
Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, a diagnosis he received in 2015. While he recovered, the treatment, including a tracheostomy, left him with lasting damage and the need for a breathing tube.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kilmer attended Julliard School in New York City before making his film debut in the 1984 comedy, “Top Secret!” His breakthrough role came in 1991 with Oliver Stone’s “The Doors,” where he portrayed the legendary Jim Morrison.
Kilmer solidified his place in Hollywood with a string of memorable performances. He famously played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun,” a role he reprised in the 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.” Despite the challenges posed by his throat cancer recovery, his reunion with Tom Cruise in “Maverick” was a poignant moment for fans.
Beyond “Top Gun,” Kilmer embodied Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” Elvis Presley’s spirit in “True Romance,” and took on the mantle of the caped crusader in “Batman Forever.” His filmography boasts a diverse range of roles in critically acclaimed films such as “Heat,” “The Saint,” “The Salton Sea,” “Alexander,” “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” and “Conspiracy.” He also showcased his comedic talent in “Macgruber” and voiced K.I.T.T. in several “Knight Rider” episodes.
Kilmer was also known for his passion for Mark Twain, portraying the writer twice on screen and in the stage production “Citizen Twain.” Josh Brolin paid tribute to this passion on Instagram, remembering Kilmer as a “Mark Twain fanatic.”
In recent years, Kilmer dedicated himself to painting, becoming known as “a talented and prolific artist in a variety of mediums,” as stated on his website.
Kilmer was married to “Willow” star Joanne Whalley from 1988 until their divorce in 1996.
He is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.
