Actor Val Kilmer, renowned for his parts in Top Gun and Batman Forever, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, announced to The New York Times that he succumbed to complications from pneumonia.
Over a long period, Kilmer fought against throat cancer, impacting his speaking capacity. Yet, despite his health challenges, he continued to be an active participant in the entertainment world, and made a significant comeback, playing Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), as reported by Deadline.
Raised in Los Angeles, Kilmer honed his acting skills at Juilliard and launched his career on the stage. Later, he moved to film acting, becoming well-known during the 1980s for his roles in comedies such as Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985).
His significant moment occurred in the 1986 movie “Top Gun,” where he portrayed Lt. Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky, sharing the screen with Tom Cruise. This film was highly successful, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Kilmer solidified his acting career with appearances in Willow (1988) and as the celebrated Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991). Roger Ebert highly commended his acting, stating, “His portrayal is the standout aspect of the film.
In the 1990s, Kilmer assumed a number of prominent acting roles. One of his most cherished portrayals was that of Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), a performance that remains highly regarded by many.
Apart from that, he was seen in the films True Romance (1993) and Heat (1995), starring alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Moreover, in 1995, he took over the role of Batman from Michael Keaton in Batman Forever.
Although the movie was financially successful, it received varied opinions from critics. The New York Times stated that Val Kilmer, though effective as Batman, didn’t surpass Michael Keaton’s performance in the role. However, Kilmer declined the offer to reprise his role in Batman & Robin (1997), which eventually was given to George Clooney.
After that, Kilmer remained active in films, appearing in titles such as The Saint (1997), The Salton Sea (2002), and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). Additionally, he nurtured a love for theater, penning and performing in the one-man production called Citizen Twain.
2015 saw Kilmer receiving a diagnosis of throat cancer, resulting in a medical treatment that affected his voice box. This personal health experience was chronicled in the 2021 documentary titled Val, through archived videos and commentary provided by his son.
The scene where Iceman reappeared in Top Gun: Maverick was a heartfelt moment, as Tom Cruise shared that he personally found it moving and even tear-jerking. Val Kilmer’s memory lives on through his children, Mercedes and Jack.
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2025-04-02 09:07