Val Kilmer, renowned for his roles in iconic films such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes, informed the New York Times that the cause of death was pneumonia. In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent treatment, including chemotherapy and trachea surgery, which affected his ability to speak and breathe. Despite the challenges he faced, Kilmer continued to pursue his career, showcasing versatility in a variety of roles.
Kilmer began his acting career as a teenager at the prestigious Juilliard School and transitioned from stage to film, rising to fame in the 1980s with his roles in comedic films such as Top Secret! and Real Genius. His breakout role came in 1986 when he starred as Iceman in Top Gun. He also took on various significant roles, including Elvis Presley in True Romance, Doc Holliday in Tombstone, and Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Forever. Despite the mixed critical response to Batman Forever, the film was a commercial success, establishing Kilmer as a major star in Hollywood.
In later years, Kilmer took on smaller roles and engaged in various projects, including a one-man show portraying Mark Twain and appearances in films such as Shane Black’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Terrence Malick’s Song to Song. Tragically, Kilmer’s health struggles returned with a bout of pneumonia that led to his death, which occurred on Tuesday night in Los Angeles surrounded by family and friends.
Throughout his career, Kilmer was known for his distinctive acting style and his confrontational demeanor on set, often clashing with directors and colleagues. Despite these challenges, Kilmer’s talent and dedication to his craft were widely acknowledged and respected. Many remember him not only for his memorable film roles but also for his off-screen antics and his political engagement. He leaves behind his legacy as a talented and fearless actor, and his death is a significant loss for the film industry and his fans.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/apr/02/val-kilmer-death-age-65-pneumonia
