Val Kilmer, the Hollywood actor known for his iconic roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed that Kilmer died from complications related to pneumonia after a long battle with throat cancer, which had required two tracheotomies since his diagnosis in 2015.
Kilmer’s career began with the 1984 comedy Top Secret!, and he became well-known for his part as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986), despite initially having little interest in the picture. He later received critical praise for his portrayal of rock legend Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), in which he sang his own songs.
In the 1990s, Kilmer starred in several memorable films, including True Romance, Heat, and Batman Forever, where he replaced Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader. He admitted to taking on the Batman role more for career reasons than artistic passion, but the film became one of his most famous roles.
Kilmer’s time on the set of The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996) was notably tough, highlighted by production issues, a troubled relationship with co-star Marlon Brando, and a falling out with director John Frankenheimer. Despite the production issues, Kilmer remained a respected performer, with co-stars such as Mira Sorvino applauding his professionalism and talent.
In 2005, Kilmer won a Satellite Award for his supporting role in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and he continued acting in various projects despite his cancer diagnosis. One of his most emotional performances came in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where he reprised his role as Iceman in what would be his final film appearance. Tom Cruise, his co-star in the Top Gun films, expressed deep admiration for Kilmer, calling him a brilliant actor.
Kilmer declared himself cancer-free in 2021 and is survived by his daughter, Mercedes, and son, Jack. His death marks the end of a legendary career that spanned decades and left a lasting impact on Hollywood.