Val Kilmer, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, has passed away at the age of 65. He succumbed to pneumonia on April 1, in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.
Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Kilmer became the youngest student at the Juilliard School. His career skyrocketed after his role as Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazanski in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, a character he reprised in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick. Kilmer also starred in The Doors (1991), portraying rock icon Jim Morrison, and in Batman Forever (1995), where he played the legendary superhero.
In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he candidly discussed in his memoir I’m Your Huckleberry in 2020. Despite ongoing health struggles, he continued his acting career, with his final appearance in Top Gun: Maverick earning widespread praise.
Tributes from fans and colleagues have poured in following his death. Josh Brolin shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying, “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts.”
Josh Gad also paid tribute, stating, “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon who brought depth, intensity, and heart to every role.”
Author Don Winslow added, “Rest in peace VAL KILMER. A brilliant actor and a good man. He left behind an indelible mark on cinema and art.”
Kilmer’s final role in Top Gun: Maverick was a poignant tribute to his long and storied career, even as he faced the physical toll of his illness.
He is survived by his children, Mercedes and Jack.
