Val Kilmer, renowned for his roles in 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever', has died at 65. The actor succumbed to pneumonia on Tuesday, April 1, in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.
Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Kilmer attended Juilliard School, becoming its youngest drama student at the time. He gained prominence with his portrayal of Tom 'Iceman' Kazanski in the 1986 film 'Top Gun', a role he reprised in the 2022 sequel 'Top Gun: Maverick'. His diverse filmography also includes 'The Doors' (1991), where he depicted Jim Morrison, and 'Batman Forever' (1995), in which he played the iconic superhero.
In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, a battle he openly discussed in his 2020 memoir, 'I'm Your Huckleberry'. Despite health challenges, he continued acting, with his final appearance in 'Top Gun: Maverick' earning acclaim.
Tributes continue to pour in from across the globe. Josh Brolin honoured Kilmer on Instagram: “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 shared a heartfelt message, writing, “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 reflected: “Rest in peace VAL KILMER. A brilliant actor and a good man. He left behind an indelible mark on cinema and art.”
Rest in peace VAL KILMER.
— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) April 2, 2025
A brilliant actor and a good man. pic.twitter.com/0JqBS13hxd
Val’s final appearance in Top Gun: Maverick brought a poignant close to a storied career, despite his voice being lost to illness.
Kilmer is survived by his children, Mercedes and Jack.
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