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Val Kilmer, the beloved actor known for iconic roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to The New York Times that he died from pneumonia.
Kilmer had been dealing with serious health issues for years, most notably a long battle with throat cancer that affected his voice. Despite these challenges, he stayed connected to the film world, even making a touching comeback as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022 — a moment that moved many fans and co-stars alike.
Born in Los Angeles, Kilmer trained at the prestigious Juilliard School and began his career on stage before transitioning into film. He got noticed in the mid-1980s with comedic roles in movies like Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985), where his charm and charisma shined.
His big break came with Top Gun in 1986, where he played the cocky yet cool pilot “Iceman” opposite Tom Cruise. The movie became a pop culture phenomenon and cemented Kilmer’s place as a major Hollywood star.
Throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s, Kilmer delivered a range of memorable performances. He starred in Willow (1988) and gave a critically acclaimed portrayal of rock legend Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991) — a performance praised by critics like Roger Ebert, who called it the highlight of the film.
Kilmer’s role as Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993) became a fan favorite, and he followed it up with appearances in True Romance and the star-studded crime drama Heat (1995), acting alongside legends Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
That same year, he took on the mantle of Batman in Batman Forever, stepping in after Michael Keaton. While the movie was a box office success, reviews were mixed. The New York Times noted Kilmer made a solid Batman, though comparisons to Keaton were inevitable. Kilmer opted not to return for Batman & Robin in 1997, a decision that led to George Clooney taking over the role.
Over the years, Kilmer continued to take on diverse roles in films like The Saint (1997), The Salton Sea (2002), and the cult favorite Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). He also nurtured his love for the stage, writing and performing in a one-man play called Citizen Twain, where he portrayed the legendary author Mark Twain.
In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. The treatments affected his ability to speak, but he remained resilient. He opened up about his journey in the 2021 documentary Val, which used personal home videos and narration from his son, offering an intimate glimpse into his life and legacy.
His return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick was not just a nostalgic cameo — it was an emotional full-circle moment. Tom Cruise later shared how deeply moved he was by that scene, saying he was brought to tears.
Val Kilmer leaves behind two children, Mercedes and Jack, and a legacy of unforgettable performances that spanned decades.